Heating a Tub - Need Some Advice

[ckuhn003]

Hey There....

I put this in the BP Husbandry forum but it's really for a BOA (figured the same temps/rules apply to both). I'm setting up a quarantine tub for a new BOA (32 quart) w/ a 11x11 UTH hooked up to a Herpstat2. I can get the hot side floor to the correct temps (88-91) but the cool side floor stays around (73-75).

I'm assuming this is too low and if it is, what does everyone recommend? I was initially thinking buying another UTH for the cool side to raise the temps in the range of 78-81 although that probably won't effect 'what I call' the ambient air temps (thermometer reading 73-75). Or should I invest in a ceramic heat bulb instead (never used one of these)?

If the heat bulb, can you set that on top of the tub lid or does it have to be suspended overtop? And should if be over the cool side?

** I'll have the 1st UTH and anything else needed hooked up to the HerpStat2 **

Thanks!

[ckuhn003]

Picture of my setup (minus the hide(s) and paper towel substrate) and holes drilled in the sides.




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[Hannahshissyfix]

Is the tub in a rack or just like a stand alone set up? You can try to cover more of the tub to insulate it better so more of the heat is dispersed to the cool end.

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[Jmarshall]

I use a small oil filled space heater on a thermostat to keep my ambients up.

[ckuhn003]

Is the tub in a rack or just like a stand alone set up? You can try to cover more of the tub to insulate it better so more of the heat is dispersed to the cool end.

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It's just a stand alone tub for a 90 day quarantine and then I'll move it to the basement where I keep my other snake and the ambients are better. I may try the cover technique.

Just spoke w/ the breeder and he said I shouldn't be too concerned w/ the 73-75 temps on the cool side as long as the hot side is on point.

[Valyrian]

It's just a stand alone tub for a 90 day quarantine and then I'll move it to the basement where I keep my other snake and the ambients are better. I may try the cover technique.

Just spoke w/ the breeder and he said I shouldn't be too concerned w/ the 73-75 temps on the cool side as long as the hot side is on point.

With snakes as long as the hot side is on point (and there are opportunities for a young snake to hide thought the gradient) it doesn't matter how cold the cold side is. The bigger the temperature gradient the better. This is because snakes know what temperature they need so providing them with the widest gradient is the best case scenario as long as the basking area is on point.

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[ckuhn003]

With snakes as long as the hot side is on point (and there are opportunities for a young snake to hide thought the gradient) it doesn't matter how cold the cold side is. The bigger the temperature gradient the better. This is because snakes know what temperature they need so providing them with the widest gradient is the best case scenario as long as the basking area is on point.

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Appreciate the response! I rely on this site for info like this but it's amazing how many different answers you get on subjects. I try to do what's best for my animals and it's stressful when you're just starting out trying to incorporate the temps, humidity, etc... that you hear on here and they don't always fit into that 'window'.

[Valyrian]

Appreciate the response! I rely on this site for info like this but it's amazing how many different answers you get on subjects. I try to do what's best for my animals and it's stressful when you're just starting out trying to incorporate the temps, humidity, etc... that you hear on here and they don't always fit into that 'window'.

No worries mate. Some people may disagree with that, I've seen people say things like the cold side temp is too low etc. I'm a firm believer in giving snakes as many options as possible as long as those options address their basic needs. So hit the basics and then go above and beyond that.

If the cold side is too cool for the snake at any given time it has the option to move to a warmer area as long as there is cover throughout the enclosure. The problem arises when there is no cover and it's just a wide open space. This is because snakes will always choose security over thermal regulation. You just have to ensure the snake feels comfortable enough to move throughout the gradient.

It seems to be common for people to keep snakes in basic setups consisting of a paper substrate, a water bowl and a hide. Now in that scenario yes a very cool cold side will be a bad thing because the snake won't feel comfortable enough to move away from it.

I think snakes should be given a lot of enrichment in the form of particle substrate, various hides and branches to climb throughout the setup. Not a fan of racks at all.

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[dboeren]

I think you're fine as long as you have a warm hide and a cool hide. If the snake doesn't like the temp on the cold side, he just won't hang out there.

Keep an eye on him and you'll be able to see if he's comfortable moving around the whole tank or if he never leave one corner.

[ckuhn003]

I think you're fine as long as you have a warm hide and a cool hide. If the snake doesn't like the temp on the cold side, he just won't hang out there.

Keep an eye on him and you'll be able to see if he's comfortable moving around the whole tank or if he never leave one corner.

Thanks dboeren. Did you make it to the Atlanta Repticon this weekend? I've never seen it so packed. It was pretty hard trying to fight my way into seeing the selection of animals and talking to breeders.