Thanks again frankykeno, for such a quick response. Right now I'm using an infrared 50 watt bulb. I turn it on and turn it off again when the temp gets above 90. I leave it off at night. Still, on the cool side it doesn't get below 80- Is this a problem? I also wanted to ask about the rather loose stool that I flushed- Is it ok to wait and see if this firms up after the snake settles (my son named him/her "Roper"). I've checked all over for external parasites- so far so good.