BP Husbandry Help!

[ApathyAngel]

Glass can definitely be finicky, and can take a little bit of effort to get it right, but it can definitely be done. Glass is by far my favorite type of enclosure, and (in my opinion, anyway) worth the extra work.

Don't use glass to cover the top, though. It may help keep in humidity, but won't help with heat. Try plexiglass or aluminum foil, or even plastic wrap.

I'm wondering what UTHs and CHEs you have, though, and what your UTH is set to. Because in my 36x18 tank, I only set my CHE to 86 to keep the ambient temp in the right range, and my husband keeps the house at 70. Even so, between the CHE and the UTH set to 93, my hot spot is at 90-91 and my ambient temp is 88 at the warm side. I'm wondering if your UTH and CHE are too small for the size of your tanks.

I don't have experience with heat tape, someone with more expertise can tell you if that's a better option in your setup. But with both a UTH and a CHE, you really shouldn't be having a problem keeping the temp up. Usually, it causes the opposite problem, and using them both together can cause overheating if not regulated and monitored.

Do you have a thermometer measuring the ambient temp? Temp guns are absolutely crucial, but I like the added security (especially in glass tanks) of having a stick-on digital thermometer and hydrometer set about an inch or two above the substrate on both the warm and cool side. Really helps me fine tune the environment in the tank.

47% humidity isn't bad, the main thing to look for is if they're having complete sheds. Still mist twice a day, but maybe mist slightly less if it's spiking the humidity up that high. You really only need it as high as 70% when they're shedding.

You also don't want the tank too wet, that can cause problems. Around 50% should be fine.

But yeah, get the CHEs on thermostats, that'll help solve the spiking and falling temps. It keeps the temps within 2 or 3 degrees, depending on the brand of the thermostat. But while the CHEs are on, you really shouldn't have a problem getting the hot spot and ambient temp warm enough and keeping the temp stable. If you're still having problems, it's most likely because the heaters aren't powerful enough to counteract the cool temp of your house.