Want and need Advise

[erk628]

I have made quit a few changes in the last few days. I have two BP's one in a ten gallon and one in a 20 gallon. Right now I have heating pads as my heating sources I have a total of four one for each side of the tanks. I have two acurite thermometers they look like this
http://www.nextag.com/acu-rite/search-html
second one from the top but mine has a few more buttons then the one showed there. I have one in each tank. I have the thermomter on the cool side velcroed right above the bedding. The probe is on top of the bedding on the warm side. Now will these work or should I get something else and set them up differently. One each rank I have the heating pads (human) on high and you would think the readings would be the same, but the warm side is hotter then the cooler side. I'm thinking the probe is more sinsitive thats why I ask. Should I get two a total of 4 for both tanks thermometers with probs, or will the ones I have work. The heating pads are not working like they should. So I'm moving the snakes into the spare bedroom tommorrow and running a space heater in the room on a timer to get the room around 80 to 84 degrees. Then I'm going to order a thermostate becaue I don't have any and some type of heat mates. What would you guys reccommend for heating the warm side. Would you recommend heat mats or heat tap. What ever one I get I'm going to put them on the warm sides and then have the space heater warm the cool side. I'm going to plug them into the thermostate, the heat mats or tap. Now I'm thinking heatmats would be best because there less of a hassle no wiring and cheaper. I just want to make sure they will get hot enought to heat the warm side. Also while I'm waiting on the stuff I'm going to order because no pet stores around here carry those should I just not use the heating pads seeing how I don't have a thermostate yet which could do alot of harm because the room will be between 80 and 84 and I know the heating pads will get the warm side hotter then 90 to 94. Also what kind of thermostate would you guys recommend something pretty cheap but something that is going to work good. Sorry fo this post being so long I just want to get it right this time I have already wasted enough money in the last few days. Thanks for your replies! Also I have a humity problem not enough what should I do about this. I have screen tops. Thinking of adding foil and duct tape to the tops tommorrow. I have cocount bark in there right now what type bedding would hold moister better. Also I have been misting it several times a day but its still to low and suggestions on that would be helpful thanks again guys.

[tmlowe5704]

It is hard to read. Add some paragraph breaks in there.

[mmchoppers]

Hey there,


Welcome to the forums! You sound like you really want to provide the best care for the snakes so good job . I know it sucks when you go out and buy stuff and then find out its not the right stuff, which is why it is always best to research as thoroughly as possible before getting anything I know, I made the same mistake.

The human heat pads are not the greatest choice, instead I would go with 2 Exo-terra heat pads(for hot sides only, since you're gonna get space heater) and a Herpstat. If you want quality you're probably going to spend a little extra.
The best thing to do for humidity in a glass aquarium is to cover the lid like you plan on doing.

-Jordan

[tmlowe5704]

Save the money from the exo terra's and order some flexwatt from rich at www.reptilebasics.com


He has excellent customer service and is highly recommended by tons of people.

[mlededee]

yep, check out www.reptilebasics.com.

give rich a call and tell him that you need flexwatt heat tape (http://www.reptilebasics.com/store/home.php?cat=248) for your 4 enclosures and that you need it all pre-wired. he will work all that out with you and then all you will have to do is plug each piece of heat tape into your thermostat.

you can also order your thermostat from him. either a ranco or a johnson thermostat (http://www.reptilebasics.com/store/home.php?cat=250) should work for your needs.

until you get your flexwatt and thermostat i would remove the heat pads altogether. you don't want to risk burning your snakes, and since you don't have a thermostat right now the risk of that is high. reptile basics is fast, so your snakes should only have to do without a hot side for a few days until you get everything.

[erk628]

Sorry for not breaking the paragraphs up. I would rather spend the extra money rather then get the strips and have to wire them up. I just want to make sure the heat mats will work good enough. Anyone havew any answers to my other question. Thanks again guys your a big help.

[erk628]

Hmm this heat tape sounds pretty interesting. How much of this do you need, like would I have to cover the whole warm side one both tanks. Now say if there are like 3 or 4 strips on one bottom cause I don't know how big they are will it go to one bottom. Thanks for your reply. Also what about the thermeters I have will they work good or no

[erk628]

Also with the thermostates that are on the link you posted say the johnsons which would would be best for me because they have a few there. Sorry for so many questions but I want to make sure I do all this right. Thanks Again!!

[mlededee]

to increase humidity:
1. i forget what it is called but there is this seal and stick saran wrap stuff--get some of that and cover about 2-3 of the screen tops with it making sure to cover the hot side to hold in the most humidity.
2. make a humid hide. cut a hole into the top or a tupperware container that is similar in size to the hides that you currently use. put damp paper towels or sphagnum moss in the container and mist every few days to keep damp.
3. use a larger water dish and place it over your heat source. a dish made out of ceramic will conduct the heat and cause more of the water to evaporate into the air and raise the humidity.

[erk628]

One other thing I would like to ask before I go to bed. How will I know what size like 3 inch or 11 inch and how much should i get. The reason I ask is I don't suppose you can cut it down not sure though. Should I measure how much I need or what should I do.

Thanks