Neurotic question about heating?

[BigCeC43]

Alright... so I've been measuring the surface temp under the hot hide which is a steady 93-94, no problem. I also have a Acu-rite measuring the temps of the cool-side-hide surface and the coolside air.

Out of curiosity, I decided to move the probe from the cool side surface onto the glass on the hot side. The air on the cool side stays at about 80-82 (I have my heat lamp over this end, uth on hot end), however I've just realized that the hot side air is in the high 70's (2-4 degrees cooler than the coolside air).

I'd be willing to bet if I placed the probe on the roof inside his hotside hide it's be warmer than the high 70's, and I know the surface in there is in the 90's. Does anyone see this as I real problem?


I'm planning on getting a AP cage with the belly heat, and I'm wondering which side I should have the radiant heat panel on. If it's on the coolside I'll probably encounter this same issue, but if it's on the hot side the coolside will be too cold.

[Sean : EbN]

For best results you should try to get the air temps up to 80-85F throughout the whole enclosure and use the UTH to attain that 90-95F surface "basking" temperature.

This can be difficult with an aquarium/screen top combo. You may try cutting down on some of the ventilation from the screen cover if this is the set-up that you are using. This will help with air temp as well as the humidity level.

My advice is this... if the snake is shedding fine (in one piece) and digestion seems to be going well, don't alter your method too much. If it ain't broke it don't need fixin!

Good luck!

[BigCeC43]

After leaving the tank alone for a while the temps are 84 cool and 81 hot(at least I know the surface temp is 93 though) I may try changing the position of the heat light slightly to bring more heat to the hot side.

You may try cutting down on some of the ventilation from the screen cover if this is the set-up that you are using.

lol, I appreciate the advice, I just wish you could see my tank. It looks like a freaking cocoon. Since the weather has started to cool down... I've had to add 2 layers of foam/foil insulation to three of the sides as well as one layer to the front. All four sides are now covered, although the front one is easily peeled on and off. I also have this insulation stuck to the top of the tank with a hole large enough for the lamp. It is holding heat and humidity pretty well now, but this will be my last aquarium.

Thanks again for the advice

[nevohraalnavnoj]

I'm planning on getting a AP cage with the belly heat, and I'm wondering which side I should have the radiant heat panel on. If it's on the coolside I'll probably encounter this same issue, but if it's on the hot side the coolside will be too cold.

I'm confused about the AP cage. It has belly heat AND a radiant heat panel? Isn't that overkill?

[BigCeC43]

I'm confused about the AP cage. It has belly heat AND a radiant heat panel? Isn't that overkill?

I've been speaking w/ someone from AP. They told me that their belly heat really won't have an effect on the air temp. To keep air temps up there are two methods one being heat lamps (they come with an option of two 8 1/2 in. opened circles on the top for the heat lamps), the other being a radiant heat panel.