First time owner help please

[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.