Quote Originally Posted by BPGator View Post
I'm not talking about a rock, it's more like a bulb. This is an example:

https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Repti...rds=che+heater

Is the thermometer in the middle of the tank the only thermometer you have? It's important to have a digital thermometer on the inside of your tank, under your coco right next to the heat mat. This is the maximum temperature your snake can feel. There are numerous stories on this forum of snakes getting burned because heat mats are being used unregulated by a thermostat. Here's a decent starter thermostat:

https://www.amazon.com/MTPRTC-Contro...art+thermostat

It's also helpful to get a more accurate thermostat/hygrometer. This will be closer to the floor, where your snake is and give you a better idea of the humidity and air temperature:

https://www.amazon.com/AcuRite-00891...ter+with+probe
ill definitely check out the ceramic bulb! You think that'll help with humidity?
also, his heating pad is on the outside of the cage underneath, and there's an inch of substrate between his area and the warmed glass. On top of that if I feel the dirt it's just mildly warm, so I don't believe it could burn him. Plus if he got too warm he could just go to the other side of the tank. I'm not ruling a thermostat out as it is a good idea, but that's something I'll look Into once I have the humidity figured out and a healthy snake. (I had to pay 500 in vet bills cause he was sick when I got him so I don't have extra money lying around)
Thank you for the links!