Quote Originally Posted by lxndria View Post
81 is on her warm side, and currently I have a digital thermometer which is what every site seemed to recommend since they tend to be a bit more accurate.
Right now I'm using a heating pad on the under side of the tank, but it's not adjustable.
Is there possibly a better heating source opposed the the heating pads or possibly adjustable ones that anyone could recommend?

She's in a 20g tank with a rock type cave on the left side and a drinking/soaking dish more towards the right side but slightly in the center.
I'll be sure to take some pictures when I get my camera back from my dad to give you a better idea.

And, thanks for letting me know about leaving her alone for a week or so, I'll be sure to let her be for a bit to make sure she doesn't get stressed
Sorry I took so long to get back - work got busy!

If you have one of those under tank heaters I bet its actually warmer in there than you think. It is actually usually reccomended that you get a thermostat or at least a dimmer because those things can get very hot! Unregulated mine gets upwards of a 120 degrees farenheit. ts great that you have a digital thermometer - do you have the type witha probe? If not you should look into that - you can get them for like 13 bucks or so at walmart - the accurite indoor outdoor type and put the probe under the warm side hide and the device itself on the cool side - this will give you the warm and cool sides as well as the humidity.

You will hear many times that you should have a hide on both sides. If you have identical sides on both sides then your bp won't have to decide between thermoregulating and feeling secure - the reason they should be identical is so she doesn't get a "favorite" hide that feels more secure and do the same thing.

How is your humidity doing? My guy is in a 20 gallon long as well - and sometimes you can have humidity issues with them.

I know its hard to give her some time - probably the hardest part of bringing her home! It will give her time to adjust - and you'll still have many MANY years of fun with her.

Btw... saw the pic of her (i'm guessing thats her) in your profile - so cute!