Originally Posted by Jakethesnake69
That 80 degree surface temp is something I struggled with. I found if I was going to get any kind of surface temp the first issue was way to much substrate. I was told 1-1/2 to 2” and no way would a UTH heat that up. I scaled it down and it’s approximately 1/2” now. I see 87-89 with thermostate set at 90. I get about 78-80 on cold side. Next was getting a good ambient temperature and found just heating under tank did nothing for ambient air temperature. I did not care for heat lamps and light cycle considerations so I use a thermostat regulated ceramic heat emitter set at 90 on hot side over UTH. On cold side I see air temps at snake height at 78 and 90 on hot. In center of tank it’s 84-85. I also covered 2/3 of tank to retain humidity. That I maintain at close to 50 percent or up. It was around 70 for the recent shed and it was a one piece shed.
My Pastel would not eat with a surface temp at 80. With the tank set as I explained above I have zero issues feeding and when it’s feeding day she is done eating quickly.
After many issues and some equipment failures this has been my success. I was also able to switch not only from live to F/T but mouse to rat all at once. I am basing this off of my snakes actions. She hides a lot but comes out and explores her environment usually at twilight. She when handled is very calm and shows no aggression and isn’t lethargic either. I have only been at snake keeping a very short period of time (6-7 weeks and have so much to learn but I really think if I were in your shoes I would get a secondary heat source. There are those with far more experience on here and I am curious what they have to say.
Thank you!
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Ok, are you measuring the top of the substrate? Or the actual glass surface? You should be reading the actual glass surface because they can ad will burrow, move substrate around etc... so you want your surface temp at 89-90ish. If you try to get the substrate to that temp and the snake burrows and reaches the glass the glass will be too hot and potentially burn your snake.
I am measuring the top of the substrate. Will do!
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