Help with my BP

[The Serpent Merchant]

ok you are really lucky that he isn't burned if your UTH isn't being regulated by a thermostat.

he might be dehydrated, or it might just look like this because of shedding. But I'm leaning towards dehydration.

Does all of this make sense so far?

[momma_mia]

Is the UTH controlled by a thermostat?

if not I guarantee that it is far too hot (likely >110 degrees )

I am assuming the UTH is the light? If so, both the lamps have a rheostat on them to adjust them.


95 is a little too hot but this can be easily fixed. All you need is a simple lamp dimmer to limit the power going to to bulb. The lamp needs to stay on 24/7. if thetemperatures drop at night your snake will get sick.

What is the proper temperature and humidity for both sides of the tank and for daytime and nighttime?

The lamp stays on all the time. They are both 100watt bulbs (infrared and regular)

If the snake's tank is in someones room I would suggest that you get a infra-red bulb. A infra-red bulb will not bother your snake or anyone trying to sleep. (a infra-red bulb is preferred anyway)

We use an infrared one at night.

Here is a link to the best bulb to use. I suggest the 75 or 100 watt version:

http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...uctId=11147193

The thermometers and hydrometers sold at pet stores do not work. there is no other way to say this, but they are a scam... also the "Reptile Specialists" very often do not know what they are talking about you would to believe how many people come to this site in the same situation as you because of this.

My kids think the guys at PetSmart are very intelligent people. I know better :-)

You should get this thermometer from Wall*Mart. They only cost $12 and work great.

One for each side or one total? Snake is in a 15 gallon tank right now because he is so small.



what is the temperature of the room that your snake is in?

We keep our heat at 66 during the day at 60 at night.

[momma_mia]

ok you are really lucky that he isn't burned if your UTH isn't being regulated by a thermostat.

he might be dehydrated, or it might just look like this because of shedding. But I'm leaning towards dehydration.

Does all of this make sense so far?

yes it makes sense. So what should I do? Continue with baths, humidifier, wet towel? Make sure my temps are correct (obviously)?

I just figured out that UTH means under tank heater. No, it is not regulated by a thermostat? I have felt it and it is warm and I am able to keep my hand on it without it getting burned, if that makes a difference. Should we get rid of the UTH? If I have to fine, but do I need to replace it with something else?

[WifeOfSlasher]

You want to keep both of your heat sources on one side of the tank to create the thermogradient, get the accurite thermometer pictured above, and get a thermostat. http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...7463473&sr=8-1 Spring for the 2 day shipping to get one ASAP. Also one of these http://www.amazon.com/Lutron-TT-300H...7463572&sr=1-1 You can probably find them locally. If you do the free amazon prime trail you'll have your shipment by Friday.

What size enclosure is he in?

What wattage are your bulbs currently?

[momma_mia]

You want to keep both of your heat sources on one side of the tank to create the thermogradient, get the accurite thermometer pictured above, and get a thermostat. http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...7463473&sr=8-1 Spring for the 2 day shipping to get one ASAP

What size enclosure is he in?

What wattage are your bulbs currently?

bulbs are 100watts

tank is currently 15 gallon

[WifeOfSlasher]

Okay. For now I would turn off the UTH. Too high will most likely be more detrimental to his health than a bit too low. 100 watt should be sufficient to keep the temps up in his tank.

Increase the temps in your home to at very least 72, if not 75, during the day and 70 at night to assist with the ambient temps in your tank. Everyone may be too warm for awhile but it will help your snake a ton.

Mist the tank twice a day and cover the cool side with a damp towel to increase the humidity inside the tank.

[The Serpent Merchant]

a UTH (Under Tank Heater) is the heating pad. Honestly if you have 2 heat lamps the UTH is not necessary

I would change it you so both of the lamps are infra-red (this specific bulb I posted a link to before is he best one on the market)

the proper hot side temperature is 88-92 degrees 24/7

the proper cool side temperature is 78-82 24/7

Only one Acu-Rite thermometer is necessary, the sensor probe will go on the hot side, and the unit itself will sit on the cool side. (the unit has a second thermometer sensor inside as well as the hydrometer sensor)

This is how I have my enclosures set up (I have PVC enclosures made by a company called Animal Plastics, but it will work the same in a tank

[WifeOfSlasher]

What kind of bulbs do you have right now?

[WifeOfSlasher]

And I totally agree with using the infra red. They are much better at keeping temps up than any of the other bulbs with the same wattage.

[momma_mia]

Oops, sorry, my bad. My bulbs are 75W, not 100W. I was confusing them with my beardies' light.

Daytime
http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...ductId=2752666

Nighttime
http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...122&lmdn=Brand


So, I am extremely confused right now!

Am I supposed to have 2 bulbs on at all times on the tank? Are they BOTH supposed to be infrared?

Looked at Aaron's photo, but it looks like one side is infrared and the other side is not.