First time owner help please

[Acedink]

The small log was clean when I put it in there last weekend. I will get a thermostat ASAP. Thanks everyone.

[pretends2bnormal]

I could swear I've seen that exact "hide" (the one you said was removed with the little green plant) as aquarium decor. The one I recall was quite rough in texture (think pumice stone or lava rock) and had a small lip down from how it is manufactured on the inner edge of the openings, so they're narrower than the outside appears at a glance. That texture with a snug fit could definitely cause some scraping.

And seconding that it is Vital! to get a thermostat. Until one is hooked up, that under tank heat pad should remain unplugged. Additionally, it sounds like you're using the heat gun at the surface of the substrate; you have to take measurements on the hot side when using under tank heat pads from the glass/beneath all substrate. Otherwise you're reading a cooler temperature than the snake can access.

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[Bogertophis]

Do be very careful about using "aquarium" decor for snakes: many have VERY sharp edges inside that would NOT affect the fish they're intended for,
but which WILL cut your snake to shreds if he cluelessly tries to squish inside. Also, make sure that ALL decor (hollow logs etc) have NO openings that
your snake might get stuck in...they don't know any better than to try a tight squeeze, and they cannot back up because of the direction of their scales.

Many wild snakes die every year in bird netting & similar fence materials that people use in their garden...they get part-way in & get stuck. Those
attractive cholla logs also come to mind...they might be fine for tiny geckos but snakes can get stuck in those too. It's impossible to safely cut away
driftwood or plastic aquarium decor once your snake gets stuck in a tight opening.

[ladywhipple02]

Do be very careful about using "aquarium" decor for snakes: many have VERY sharp edges inside that would NOT affect the fish they're intended for,
but which WILL cut your snake to shreds if he cluelessly tries to squish inside. Also, make sure that ALL decor (hollow logs etc) have NO openings that
your snake might get stuck in...they don't know any better than to try a tight squeeze, and they cannot back up because of the direction of their scales.

Many wild snakes die every year in bird netting & similar fence materials that people use in their garden...they get part-way in & get stuck. Those
attractive cholla logs also come to mind...they might be fine for tiny geckos but snakes can get stuck in those too. It's impossible to safely cut away
driftwood or plastic aquarium decor once your snake gets stuck in a tight opening.

I second this. if you do some searching on the forums you'll find stories of snakes that actually got stuck inside aquarium decor. These guys can and will squeeze themselves into places you'd think impossible - and getting them out can be a trick. I would recommend something like these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UCDIBMY...528219186&sr=2

I know they aren't as pretty as the decor, but they're functional, inexpensive, and safe. Get a few so you can switch them out for cleaning

Also, did you say what your humidity was and/or how your were monitoring it?

[pretends2bnormal]

If you want to pay a bit more for aesthetic and keep something prettier or more natural, look for larger pieces of cork bark. It comes in tubes similar to the one in the picture that looks like aquarium decor, but it a soft enough material that it can be ripped apart fairly easy if it became necessary. Local reptile stores would be the cheapest places to find it, but you may get lucky elsewhere. Online works too, but may end up being smaller than you anticipated if you don't visualize sizes from numbers very well (or a seller ripping you off).
There are plenty of other reptile specific hides that are more aesthetically pleasing as well.

Aim to get things that either lift off (like the black plastic hide above) or have holes wide enough for (in my opinion) 2x the thickest part of your snake. They often double back through holes and can get wedged in like that and you want plenty of clearance for any lumps post-feeding.

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[Acedink]

I second this. if you do some searching on the forums you'll find stories of snakes that actually got stuck inside aquarium decor. These guys can and will squeeze themselves into places you'd think impossible - and getting them out can be a trick. I would recommend something like these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UCDIBMY...528219186&sr=2

I know they aren't as pretty as the decor, but they're functional, inexpensive, and safe. Get a few so you can switch them out for cleaning

Also, did you say what your humidity was and/or how your were monitoring it?

I have an Acurite thero/hygro that I'm checking the humidity with. I was using a heat lamp, but I think it was drying out the air almost instantly. I've put a cover over 50-60% of the top, and the humidity levels are anywhere from 65-80% on the hide side, and about 3-5% less on the non-hide side.

If the heat pad isn't getting everything up to temp, what are the options? The heat lamp may not work due to the humidity issue, but could I just thin out the substrate?

Once I get the temp all sorted, the only thing left will be getting the little guy to eat!

I'd be lost if not for this message board!!!

And on the original issue, whatever it was, it did wipe off with a damp cloth.

[Bogertophis]

....
If the heat pad isn't getting everything up to temp, what are the options? The heat lamp may not work due to the humidity issue, but could I just thin out the substrate?

Once I get the temp all sorted, the only thing left will be getting the little guy to eat!

I'd be lost if not for this message board!!!

And on the original issue, whatever it was, it did wipe off with a damp cloth.

First, if the substrate is too thick (deep) and without air gaps*, it actually serves as "insulation" that prevents the UTH heat from rising into the cage. So yes,
either thin out the substrate (I forgot at this moment what you're using) or use something that is more porous, like chunky orchid bark* that allows heat to rise
because it's full of air gaps between the pieces.

Feeding...ahh, feeding! The next "hurdle", LOL. Can be fun or frustrating, but only time will tell...and yes, it sure helps to discuss & ask questions here.

RE "original issue" (dark stripes) I'm so glad that was an easy fix. We learn to be part-time detectives when keeping snakes. (it does get easier)

[Acedink]

First, if the substrate is too thick (deep) and without air gaps*, it actually serves as "insulation" that prevents the UTH heat from rising into the cage. So yes,
either thin out the substrate (I forgot at this moment what you're using) or use something that is more porous, like chunky orchid bark* that allows heat to rise
because it's full of air gaps between the pieces.

Feeding...ahh, feeding! The next "hurdle", LOL. Can be fun or frustrating, but only time will tell...and yes, it sure helps to discuss & ask questions here.

RE "original issue" (dark stripes) I'm so glad that was an easy fix. We learn to be part-time detectives when keeping snakes. (it does get easier)

Hoping for more fun than frustration LOL