Based on what you two have said, I probably should take some precautions about the heat.

The screen I have at the top is black mesh, and it does get uncomfortably hot to my touch right underneath the heat lamp. I will try to raise it up so that it doesn't get a full blast (or conduction from the metal lamp "shade"), but it might make sense to also limit his ability to easily get his nose over there. (This 10 gal tank is all of a sudden seeming to be too small for him even now).

BTW, how do you soak a snake? Do they willingly tolerate you just holding their bodies (in this case, his tail tip) in water for that long? (I've bathed dogs and cats, and for those beasts its a fight.)

Thanks,

Divalent