Maximum safe surface temp

[MmmBanana]

Hello,

I am currently working on setting up my first tub for my ball python. I am currently having issues with getting the temp dialed in and getting humidity to a optimal level. I have a 32qt tub, 12in. TGH heat tape covering about 50% of the bottom of the tub, and a thin layer of reptichip as sub straight. I have the Tstat TC taped between the heat tape and the tub. My question is, what is the max safe temp I can set the tstat to? I'm using a herpstat 2. I currently have it set to 95, and the surface temp of the sub straight under the warm side hide is mid 80s.

[KMG]

It takes time to warm up.

You also should measure the actual tub floor over the tape, not the top of the substrate. 1/4 inch over the uth at most.

The max temp will vary by individual setup. Your climate is different than mine so we will probably need different settings to produce similar results. To give a better answer the max temp is the one that provides the ideal floor temp on the tub. If that is 95, that's fine, 98...ok, something crazy though and you're probably need to change something. It's normal to loose some heat but I've never lost 15 degrees. I have a feeling the actual tub floor is warmer so measure that before changing the tstat.

[Craiga 01453]

You want to measure the actual surface temps, not substrate temps. And you're looking for 90-92

[MmmBanana]

The bottom of the tub kinda bows up creating a slight air gap. I need to figure out a way to fix it. I am thinking a heavy water dish. However, my question is, what is the hottest tub surface temp I can go before I risk harming my snake if he burrows to the tub floor and lays directly on it? Also, I am slowly drilling holes in the tub to try to lower humidity. reptichip is holding humidity too well. So far the lowest humidity I can get it 90%. I am trying to drill holes slowly tho so I dont have too many.

[KMG]

Let the substrate dry out. When I have substrate that is more damp than I desire I leave it out to air dry until it is where I want it.

I can't tell you an exact number. I would say you shouldn't need to go over 100 though. Remember the snake will be laying in the tub creating less of a gap. Place an item inside to mimic the snake laying on it and after a couple hours remeasure under it.

[Craiga 01453]

Your surface temp should be 90-92

[MmmBanana]

I removed the majority of the coconut sub straight and put a layer of paper towels down and sprinkled just a little bit of the coconut on top and sprayed maybe 2 sprays into the tub. I also drilled some more holes in the tub. I cannot get the humidity under 80%. Looks like tubs just hold humidity too well to even need sprayed at all. Im currently use to a glass terrarium that needs doused 2-3 times a day to stay at 50%.

[KMG]

I removed the majority of the coconut sub straight and put a layer of paper towels down and sprinkled just a little bit of the coconut on top and sprayed maybe 2 sprays into the tub. I also drilled some more holes in the tub. I cannot get the humidity under 80%. Looks like tubs just hold humidity too well to even need sprayed at all. Im currently use to a glass terrarium that needs doused 2-3 times a day to stay at 50%.

So you sprayed "2 sprays" and are confused why the humidity is up? If you have high humidity ,why mist?

What is the humidity of the room you are in? You may not need to mist daily or at all. I only mist my ETB and GTP daily. The others usually only get it while in shed.

Just because somebody may need to mist their tubs everyday does not mean you will. I hardly ever had to mist my tubs. They have no holes and I used cypress mulch in them. The Forest Floor mulch I use is damp in the bag. I pour it in a large tub to allow it to dry a bit before using it. I wouldn't add water or mist until it was dry.

[VIP CONSTRICTORS]

Maximum is 95 any surface that touches the snake. But I do NOT recommend it