Respiratory Infection - how should I modify my enclosure?

[dakski]

I can't seem to figure out how to upload a photo to my post - I saved some to my desktop but the post does not allow me to upload them this way, unfortunately. To give you a better picture, she is in a 20L tank, I have a temp gauge on the cool side that is about 75-80F, and a temp gauge and humidity gauge on the warm side, with temps 90-95F, and humidity is at about 50 right now. I have a 75W heat lamp sitting on top the hot side, and I do 12 hours of the "white" light, and 12 hours of the nighttime "red" light. The damp towel I was taking about is placed over most of the cool side - so, the humidity gauge on the hot side may present a % that is slightly less than the humidity on the cool side where the towel is sitting on top the enclosure. I also use I think it's called Eco-earth coconut fiber bedding - the brick you place in water and it absorbs the water to become loose substrate. I have hides on both sides, a driftwood branch in the middle, and two small fake plants.

I hope this response gives you a better visual since I cannot provide a photo - sorry...

Again, are you taking temps with a temp gun?

It sounds like you are using temp gauges and relying on them for air temp. Ground temp could be very different, especially with a UTH - that sounds unregulated - that heats the bottom of the tank but not the air.

75F is too low especially with high humidity - and fluctuating humidity. 95F is too hot, and it could be hotter on the ground.

Again, are you regulating your temps with a thermostat? It sounds like you are not. Please advise on this.

20G too small for anything other than a juvenile BP, IMO, and terrible for temp gradients and humidity, etc.

Please get accurate temps with a temp gun ASAP then report.

Frankly, the whole setup sounds like a nightmare to me.

I would not be surprised if your BP has an RI.

Not trying to be a jerk, but a well kept BP usually = a healthy BP. Now you are probably going to have spend way more money than a proper setup would have been and put the snake through hell if it has an RI.

I am not trying to make you feel bad now, and I know you want what's best for your BP. However, the quicker you understand and implement this practice (proper setup and husbandry is the #1 requirement for any reptile), the happier everyone involved will be.

Please advise on the questions above and good luck. Also, plan to get a thermostat(s) ASAP.