ceramic heat emitters

[ianpudlich]

hi.i'm currently using a light bulb and heat mat,but my temperatures are droppiing too low at night.i am thinking of getting a ceramic heat emitter,but i need some answers please.
1.what size emitter do i need
2.will i be ok to keep it on 24/7
3.how do i bump humidity levels up

thanks

[josh@outbackreps]

A ceramic heater is not a good choice for anything but a desert lizard. No matter how hard you try to keep the humidity up it will be too dry.

How big a cage is it/what kind, ( plastic, homemade/glass tank etc?), how are you measuring the temps, temp gun, digital w/probe, or stick on.
Sorry for all the questions but the answers will make it easier to think of a appropriate way to heat the cage enough at night but also not dehydrate the snake too.

[ianpudlich]

i've got a wooden viv with stick-on thermometers.thanks for the advive.just trying to find a way of bumping the temps up at night.also i mist every couple of days to help the humidity.is this ok?

[josh@outbackreps]

Try getting a better thermometer, as the stick on ones are not very accurate, and unless placed at the very bottom of the cage are not going to give you a real temp at all.

Most wooded cages hold heat well so try a temp gun, you can get them for $25 and get a good temp reading over the whole cage and see how the temp is at "snake level"

If its still too cold at night try a couple of small black/red lights to raise the temp but not make it to warm or dry. You can get 50-75 watt black lights at walmart or party stores for $2-$3ea and they can work perfect without the drying effect of a ceramic heater, if you still have a humidity problem use cypress mulch bedding as it will hold humidity very well, without being wet.
Hope this helps.
Good luck!!