Thermostat probe placement in my tank?

[dakski]

I know I am very prone to overreact. But that's because I really acknowledge the responsibility I take on when I bring an animal into my care. I know I am the sole keeper who "decides" if the animal thrives or is on the brink of dying off. I take it very seriously. Too seriously at times. But I am the kind of person who rather makes sure everything is perfect beforehand instead of regreting things later I could have done differntly.
I do appreaciate the help. But I have also noticed a certain kind of aversion of vets in the reprile keeping hobby. There seem to be many keepers who don't trust vets and just think they are out for their money. At least I have noticed this more in reptile keepers than say people who own cats and dogs.
So that's why I take it with a grain of salt when people tell me not to go to the vet.

1. You "decide" whether your animal thrives or not. That is correct. If the animal is young and vulnerable and there is indeed nothing wrong, taking it to the vet is an added stress that can CAUSE issues.

I've taken animals to the vet before and I have 2 good reptile vets I trust. I drive 2 hours to get them to a good vet (the vets are in opposite directions). I generally bring a fecal when I first get an animal and while he/she is in quarantine. Have you thought of doing just that? Bringing in a fecal to have it tested? 90% of issues can be ruled out or in with a fecal.

I have to weigh in the risk and stress on the animal and whether it is worth it and indeed necessary. Reptiles can get sick, but most of the time it's because the keeper is doing something wrong. There can be injuries and illnesses, but most of the time, certainly in younger animals, it's keeper error. Further, not sure where you live, but even being in and out of a cold car this time of year can be stress.

We all have to deal with and weigh these factors. Right now, my basement/reptile area is being torn apart and re-done because of a sewage flood. My reptiles are cooped up in my office at 75F and not ideal conditions. This is stress, but I have no choice. I also know each one is healthy and happy and I planned on this. However, still a risk. I look at reptile care similar to fish/aquarium care except that most reptiles aren't as sensitive as most fish. However, we have to control their environment for them to live long and healthy lives.

I do not think reptiles need annual physicals etc. The stress does more harm than good. Further, many vets are not reptile specialists and if you don't know what to ask, this can add insult to injury because although they may mean well, again can do more harm than good.

We have tried to tell you it's probably fine and you could be creating a problem. That's not because we do not like vets, it's because we like your snake.

2. If you are spending 4 hours cleaning your tank, do your snake and yourself a favor and use paper substrate. It doesn't take me that long to keep 11 tanks clean - spotless. I use paper substrate. A big reason to use other substrates are decor/aesthetics and humidity. You have a small PVC tank now, but it's PVC. Humidity holds well. Use paper substrate. I do. Many others do, especially who keep multiple animals. Having one snake should not be a part-time job.