Heating with Loose Substrate - Surface Temp Question

[alittleFREE]

I'm typically a solid substrate advocate because to me, it's easier. But I picked up some aspen when I got Syd and was going to see how I liked it.

The main issue I'm having is that the surface temp of the hot side, on top of the substrate, is significantly cooler than the surface temp of the bottom of the enclosure, if that makes sense. Basically I'm trying to balance having it warm enough where she typically sits without getting too hot underneath to burn her or cook her if she burrowed.

Right now, I've got my thermostat probe sitting between the UTH and the bottom of the cage and I've got it set to 95*F. I figured that if she went down there, 95*F wouldn't burn her or cause any issues (hopefully I'm right). But I'm just worried the top of the substrate isn't getting warm enough... I don't have that thick of a layer of the aspen - it's like maybe an inch, if not less. I'd prefer for it to be around 90*F, but it's just hovering in the high 80s.

What do you guys do? If I set it to higher than 95, will she still be fine if she ventures down there? Should I just ditch the Aspen and go back to paper?

[Craiga 01453]

You want to measure the actual surface below the substrate. They end up burrowing, pushing the substrate around, etc...
If they need it warmer than the substrate they know how to find the warmer temps below.
My thermostats are set between 92-96 depending on enclosure and UTH to achieve a hot spot of 89-90 on the surface.

[alittleFREE]

You want to measure the actual surface below the substrate. They end up burrowing, pushing the substrate around, etc...
If they need it warmer than the substrate they know how to find the warmer temps below.
My thermostats are set between 92-96 depending on enclosure and UTH to achieve a hot spot of 89-90 on the surface.

Okay, so it’s fine if she goes down to the 95*F spot? She won’t like fry her brain or anything?

I guess she’s smart enough to know to regulate and go to the cool side, but I just get freaked out by so many peoples snakes getting burned.


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[Bogertophis]

Okay, so it’s fine if she goes down to the 95*F spot? She won’t like fry her brain or anything?

I guess she’s smart enough to know to regulate and go to the cool side, but I just get freaked out by so many peoples snakes getting burned.


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No, sadly, sometimes snakes fall asleep (or just seem to be clueless?) & do get burned...I'd stick to 90-92* max, personally. If you need more warmth than that,
I'd add it from overhead.

[Avsha531]

Okay, so it’s fine if she goes down to the 95*F spot? She won’t like fry her brain or anything?

I guess she’s smart enough to know to regulate and go to the cool side, but I just get freaked out by so many peoples snakes getting burned.


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I think you misunderstood what Craig was saying. My thermostats are typically set at around 96 to reach a hot spot UNDERNEATH the substrate of around 89-90, even if it is not that hot on top of the substrate its fine

[alittleFREE]

No, sadly, sometimes snakes fall asleep (or just seem to be clueless?) & do get burned...I'd stick to 90-92* max, personally. If you need more warmth than that,
I'd add it from overhead.

Yeah, it’s always weird to me how they let themselves get burned. I wonder if they don’t have the same type of pain receptors we have on our skin that tell us when something is too hotetc.

Thanks. I’ll lower it a little so it doesn’t get so hot on the surface. The top of the substrate will be a little cooler but like you said, if she needs extra heat she can burrow a little.

I think you misunderstood what Craig was saying. My thermostats are typically set at around 96 to reach a hot spot UNDERNEATH the substrate of around 89-90, even if it is not that hot on top of the substrate its fine

Yeah, I did. I understand now though. Thanks for clarifying!


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[Craiga 01453]

The others cleared it up.
But just to reiterate, I set my tstats 92-96 to get a hot spot of 89-90. The temp set on the tsat is usually 4-5 degrees different from the temp on the actual surface, measured with a temp gun. So in order to get that 89-90 hot spot it's a little trial and error with the t-stat.
But to answer your question, 95 will not burn your snake. Think of it this way: us humans are 98-99 degrees or so...and we don't burn our snakes when we hold them. The highest suggested temp is 90-92, though, because that's where they thrive. I personally shoot for the lower end and that's why I have 89-90 hot spot temps.

[gusanr14]

Like the other guys said, they will push the substrate away and sit right on top of the tub. So do not worry about the top of substrate not getting warm enough. That was what I use to worry about when I first changed to substrate from paper towel but at the end, I realized that they will push the substrate if substrate is not warm enough for them and sit on where they feel comfortable.