I need an advice

[bearhart]

I still seem to be having problems with the temps. My cool side always reads around 80 because its controlled by the 2 UTHs, but the warm side fluctuates all the time. When the room temp drops, the tank temp drops to like 87. I can't seem to be able to control it. How can I insulate the tank? The top is currently covered by 2 towels up to the lamp (so like 80% of the top screen is covered) ...this also holds humidity, so at times when it got too humid I would open it up slightly until humidity dropped again. Also one side is covered with a towel to create more of a "close" surrounding for the snake and hopefully insulate the tank.

What is the bottom of the tank like? Providing some insulation at the bottom helps considerably.

Also, what kind of UTH's do you have and how are they attached?

How thick is your substrate?

[NickP]

You can kinda see the thickness of the substrate here. It's not very thick at all.

[NickP]

What is the bottom of the tank like? Providing some insulation at the bottom helps considerably.

Also, what kind of UTH's do you have and how are they attached?

How thick is your substrate?

There, I posted few pics. Should give a general idea.

The bottom of the tank is the glass, layer of newspaper and layer of Aspen substrate. The UTHs are attached to the bottom of the tank on the right side. The tank is lifted slightly so that excess heat can escape.

I have 2 of these: http://www.reptilesupply.com/product...roducts_id=459

[bearhart]

So the thermometer on the left has a probe into the warm hide and the one on the right does not? The first thing I would do is move them to the bottom of the glass - or at least move the one that doesn't have a probe.

I'm kind of surprised that you are reading 80 at the top and only 87 in the warm hide. I'm really curious what temp it is at the floor on the cool side.

Does he sit still directly under the heat lamp alot? Does he sit still pressed up against the glass alot?

[bearhart]

The way the tank is sitting you are going to be losing alot of your UTH heat. At the very least I would set it on something that is as large as the base (no overhang). In addition, I would consider placing it on something that is insulating. Also, its very likely the heat will eventually screw up your table which is another reason to use some insulation.

[NickP]

He moves from side to side all the time. Sometimes he's on the warm side, sometimes on the cool side and sometimes in between. He likes to get on top of the cool side's half log sometimes. He presses against the glass most of the time. Dunno why.

Now, the probe is placed next to the warm side's hide and so is the probe for the thermostat. Also at the cooler side with the UTHs, it is directly over the stand. It's just the warmer side that is kinda hanging off the stand.

[juddb]

Is your uth on a tstat or a dimmer or anything? If not i suggest you invest in one. Without one you will be fighting temp fluctuations forever. Also i suggest you move your accurite and flukers temp/hygro down to the substrate, you will have a better idea of what your temps are at, on the little guys level.... Also last but not least, have you considered a tub setup??? A hell of a lot easier to manage temps humidity, and way easier to clean... Good luck

[bearhart]

He moves from side to side all the time. Sometimes he's on the warm side, sometimes on the cool side and sometimes in between. He likes to get on top of the cool side's half log sometimes. He presses against the glass most of the time. Dunno why.

Now, the probe is placed next to the warm side's hide and so is the probe for the thermostat. Also at the cooler side with the UTHs, it is directly over the stand. It's just the warmer side that is kinda hanging off the stand.

hmm...

Behavior-wise, if Buddy is always cruising and pressing his nose along the glass or down into the substrate, I would interpret that to mean that he is uncomfortable and trying to get away. When things are too warm, I have also seen mine press himself up against the glass for long periods to cool off.

Try a couple of things:

1) place the probes for the warm hide *inside* of it and see what effect that has on the readings.
2) put the tank on a towel or thin blanket and slide it so the warm side isn't hanging off. see if that helps.

Also, have you felt the UTH to verify that it is actually working? It seems to me that if the probe is lying beside the warm hide with the heat lamp shining directly on it, that's enough alone to make it register 87,88.

Another experiment you can try is to just turn the heat lamp off for a while and see how that affects the temperatures. Also, see what Buddy does. Maybe he hates the heat lamp, who knows.

[NickP]

Thnx again guys. I appreciate every single reply!

I actually have some great news. He is in the warm side's hide!! I just went over to check on him.


juddb: Yes I have 2 thermostats, one for each side. The problem isn't as much with the cool side (UTH side) than the warmer side. UTHs seem to be doing a great job with the heat. However the Lamp is the one that can't heat it up enough.

I'll try placing the towel under it, but won't that be a fire hazard since cloth will be in direct contact with the UTHs?

[bearhart]

Great news! Hopefully he eats soon. Mine went through a weird super-active phase recently. Maybe its the onset of winter.

The fire risk comes in if the UTH happens to fail by shorting out. A properly operating UTH will not start a fire.

To be fully safe, you might consider using a thin fire-retardant blanket instead.