Question about UTH.

[MmhmmRamen]

Well, using just a red heat lamp I have been able to maintain temps at 88-92 degrees Fahrenheit for the hot spot and at 78-80 degrees for the cool side while the humidity is at 50-60. She has no problem eating or digesting her food and is very comfortable in her terrarium showing no signs of stress, (well she is still spooked out by my sister when she visits but hell, she scares me too). Anyhow, although all is well, I was recently told I should ditch the lamp and get a UTH. I was just wanted to hear your opinions on whether or not its a necessary change I should make? Also, if I do make the change, what kind of light should I use just for viewing her when she is doing her nightly exploring?

[steve_r34]

all my snakes have no light just uth but im sure u got urs in a tank really a heat lamp isnt ness. unless u need extra heat ... if u go uth for night u put a night lamp either red or black and u can watch with that im guessing ..

[MsMissy]

A UTH, on a thermostat of course, is really quite necessary to help our little no legged friends digest. It won't increase your ambient temp, will only heat that spot at floor level.

I use both, need the over head to maintain ambient temps because of my ac running 24/7.

[norwegn113]

A UTH, on a thermostat of course, is really quite necessary to help our little no legged friends digest. It won't increase your ambient temp, will only heat that spot at floor level.

I use both, need the over head to maintain ambient temps because of my ac running 24/7.

needing belly heat to help digestion is only a myth. They digest their food perfectly fine without any belly heat.

[MsMissy]

needing belly heat to help digestion is only a myth. They digest their food perfectly fine without any belly heat.

My apologies if that info was incorrect, it was my understanding from several sources, that it really is important.

[tonkatoyman]

As a breeder we keep all of our snakes in racks with belly heat. However, prior to becoming a breeder we kept the pet normal Orphius in an aquarium with the exact same set up. In short as long as the temps are good using a lamp is just fine.

[Velrys]

Ya... i would assume that since they hijack their foods burrows that they are actually more used to the sun heating them from above. I doubt that the cool dirt of an underground tunnel hits 92.

If your ball is happy i dont worry.

[MmhmmRamen]

Thanks everyone. I just wanted to see if the change would be really necessary to keep my snake as happy as it has been. I'm going to stay with my current set up. She's doing great, is healthy, and has no problems with eating and digestion. I'm going to leave it as is since she is so comfortable.