Quote Originally Posted by Dinoanc View Post
... I'm aware of that. And I've asked how to do it. I was told to get a bigger heat mat and I did, and it improved things only slightly. I'm going to test out a lamp, but I'm afraid of the melting plastic and the smells that come with it. What if I just went and picked up a 5 or 10 gal to put him in? Would it be too small? I'd rather fight with humidity.
That might be an improvement...because for one thing, it's a lot easier to insulate a glass tank- the sides are straight up & down, & there are various things you can attach (even corrugated cardboard, sheet cork, foam-board or poster board with a foam core, etc) that will help the warmth* stay where it's needed- INSIDE.

*Not all heat pads are created equal- some put out more heat more than others, & all should be controlled by thermostat for safety. Still, it's possible that the wattage of what you're using is just not adequate...either that, or your room is too cold- remember that heat rises (up & out of the enclosure) & cold air sinks downward- Have you tried putting his home on a higher table or shelf? Rooms are colder nearest the floor. Tried warming the room better?

We aren't IN your home- we cannot see exactly what the problem is- we can only offer suggestions, but we cannot fix it for you. I understand you're frustrated...in part, because you're getting answers from various places all at once. As far as the size (5 or 10 gal?) being correct, match the "floor dimensions" to what he has done well in for you- & realize at some point you'll need to size up when he grows, but for now, he needs to be eating- otherwise you won't have a pet left to worry about anyway. If this is what you need to safely use some added overheat heating, then by all means, get going on it. Your profile shows this is not your only snake, so I'm not clear why this one is giving you so much difficulty, as far as setting up his housing. Your other snakes are eating, right?