Heating pads as a heat source

[katrina.hobbs.12]

This is a new pet for us and we have done a lot of research that says your not suppose to use heat lamps so we have put 3 heating pads, one one the back, side and underneath. He or she seems to be doing well. She is eating well and we are handling her every few days to get her use to us. This forum is really cool and informative, if you have any feedback on the heating source let me know.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[PitOnTheProwl]

Two things................................... trash the sand substrate and what are you using to regulate your heat pads?

[led-zep]

Two things................................... trash the sand substrate and what are you using to regulate your heat pads?

I wanna say that looks like one of those zilla probes?? I think I used to have a zilla 1000 from petco with a probe almost identical to that..

Later

[PitOnTheProwl]

I wanna say that looks like one of those zilla probes?? I think I used to have a zilla 1000 from petco with a probe almost identical to that..

Later

and I sure hope not because it would be NOWHERE near where it needs to be.

[led-zep]

Is that the side of the tank? or does he have a thermometer laying on the floor?

Later

[Drift]

I would agree.

The zilla thermostats are known for being inaccurate, as are their (and other petshop brand) analogue thermometers/hygrometers (the dial-type ones).

Heat pads are not designed to radiate heat very far. Your thermostat probe looks to be quite far from the pads. This is a problem because the contact points on the tank where the pads are touching will get hot enough to burn a snake (because you're getting a super-heated points on the glass that's trying to heat up an object that's farther from where the bulk of its heat is traveling).

Also, your thermostat appears to be high in the tank. Unless you have multiple thermostats, then you are not actually controlling the temperature your snake is living at (closer to the bottom of the tank). The same can be said about your thermometer, which is not monitoring the area of the tank you need to be most concerned with.

Most people only use one heat pad on the bottom of the tank and they control it with a single thermostat placed directly in contact with the pad underneath the tank. Not only is able to accurately regulate the temperature, but it prevents the snake from dislodging the probe (because they can and will unless you glue gun the daylights out of it).

I also agree that the sand is problematic and should be reconsidered.

If your ambient room temperature is too low, a heat lamp may be suitable (or I've heard great things from keepers about Radiating Heat Panels (RHPs)). Heat lamps are not good for humidity, but humidity can be raised with a bit of work and consistency. This is why many keepers prefer using plastic tubs. It sacrifices visibility for heat and humidity retention. However, this doesn't meet everyone's needs and there's no reason you can't make an aquarium work for you.

[katrina.hobbs.12]

Sorry just now getting back, that's crushed walnut shells, moved thermometer to bottom I do have all heating pads on a thermostat, the gauge is reading around 84 and 90 by the heat pads, I read that lamps were not good, how to regulate humidity, just at tropical humidity I have him in a room w 4 big fish tanks so the room is kinda humid, is it possible to regulate everything in a aquarium?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[katrina.hobbs.12]

Ok saw some of your other thread about the aquarium, new at this hobby. We have 5 aquariums reef, fish and a bearded dragon, but we fell in love w this snake and wanted to give her a good home.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[CatandDiallo]

Then you're going to have to make some adjustments and invest in proper equipment if you want to give her a good home.

I've never really heard of anyone using 3 heat pads. I think this is overkill.
Also, many people prefer substrates like newspapers, paper towels, aspen, etc. I'm on my tablet which makes typing not so nice so I'm going to let other people go into detail, but you also could use another hide (one on the warm side, one on the cool side), and proper humidity.

[PitOnTheProwl]

What is the actual surface temp of the glass under the crushed shell? Those stick on gauges are junk and only giving you the ambient temperature and not surface.