Browned paper towels.

[monty_python9]

I use a c serpents 5 tub rack controlled by a ve-100 tstat. The probe says 88 degrees. And my temp gun says 91.9. What's going on? My paper towels turn brown. Is it too hot? Is my probe not placed correctly? Please Help

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[Alicia]

It looks like the snake peed. When they pass liquid, with or without tiny urates, it's not exactly pristine and quickly discolors as it dries. Especially when deposited over the hot spot.

If the snakes seem to be doing it a lot, especially on the hot end, that tends to be a sign that they're too hot. ~92 is a little toasty for many BPs . . . A surprising number of them seem to like it a little cooler. I'm not saying this is a conscious behavior, it's just something they sometimes appear to do in reaction to being a touch too warm.

If the discoloration were the result of the heat tape in of itself, you'd see softness, discoloration, and warping/melting in the tub, as well.

[Darkbird]

Does that happen in the same spot every time, and can you touch the spot bare handed? No melting of the tub? Really just looks to me like a spot where the snake peed a little and that's what happens when it dries. If it's actually getting hot enough to brown the paper towels, you have a serious burn risk to the snake and probably a fire hazard to everything.

[monty_python9]

Yes. Same spot every time

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[Alicia]

Yes. Same spot every time

Then I'd totally vote too warm. Try turning the thermostat down by two degrees (maybe even two and a half) and see if that changes anything.

Also, just troubleshooting . . . I'm guessing then that nothing seems to be going on with the tub itself? What does the heat tape temp gun at right there? It doesn't rub, does it?