Temperature issues

[JM7119]

I have a feeling you are using an UTH stuck to the side of your tank?
Not the best choice for the husbandry of your snake.
You can try to remove the heater but slow and gently.
Most of the time you will damage it removing it but they can be taken off without damage.
Either way, next time get some aluminum foil tape and make the mat easy to remove.
To do this you will lay the mat on a table sticky side up and cover it with foil tape sticky side down. Now you will just use a couple pieces of foil tape on the edges to hold it in place.

Dont forget to get a thermostat BEFORE you put your heat mat in the better location.

Than you for the advice. I'm a bit confused though, the thermometer you linked me to, is that able to be mounted and hooked up to be used in conjunction with the thermostat or to be used to measure temperature separately?

Also, of course I'll do whatever I need to to make sure my little snake is as comfortable and happy as possible since I assumed that responsibility when I purchased her, but do you think that a cheaper thermostat will do for the time being so I can save up for a little while before I get the really good one?

[Eric Alan]

Than you for the advice. I'm a bit confused though, the thermometer you linked me to, is that able to be mounted and hooked up to be used in conjunction with the thermostat or to be used to measure temperature separately?

Also, of course I'll do whatever I need to to make sure my little snake is as comfortable and happy as possible since I assumed that responsibility when I purchased her, but do you think that a cheaper thermostat will do for the time being so I can save up for a little while before I get the really good one?

Here's the key: a thermoMETER measures the temperature; a thermoSTAT controls the temperature. Similar words with different purposes.

Example: Say you set your thermostat to 90, but you use the gun and the spot right above your UTH only reads 87. In that case, turn your thermostat up 3 to get your desired temperature of 90 above your hot spot. Think of a thermostat as more of a set point rather than an actual temperature.

The one I linked to is handheld and you use it to measure temperatures of whatever you point it at whenever you choose to do so. Ideally, you want to monitor every surface your BP could come into contact with inside its enclosure. A temp gun allows you to do so. If you do decide to go with an inexpensive thermostat, it becomes even more important to use that temp gun to measure temperatures more frequently to make sure your stat is functioning correctly/safely (within the range you have set it to be).

[kitedemon]

JM7119 There are two temperatures that matter. The hot spot and the ambient air temp. It sounds like you have grasped this. The issue you are having is caused by the room temp 68ºF and a glass tank is very difficult manage. It can be done but will take time. I understand there is a time issue? You need to hold the ambient air temp warmer than 70ºF or so ideally 80ºF but 74ºF will do for now. before you leave the best temporary thing is just set the room temp higher. This will manage until you get home and can actually adjust things correctly.

The issue is to make a little slice of Africa in your home for your snake to live comfortably. This means correct temps. Most reptile heaters do not heat air, UTH and RHP in particular are not designed to heat air directly. Lamps, CHE, and tube heaters are they will cause a drop in RH (not actually the humidity it stays the same) BECAUSE they heat air if a heater does not drop the RH it is not heating the air.

Post again when you return for now get the ambient air temp over 74ºF and try to get the hot spot in the mid 80ºF or a little higher before you leave on the trip.