Help please

[Crazy4Herps]

I've always used a cheap analog thermometer for my BP... I recently got a AcuRite with a probe from Walmart, and I found out the temps are---different. Not too bad though, the analog was really close, but I hadn't known the temps on the cool side. 70-75 on the cool side! That is waaaay off! However, in her warm hide, the temps are 96-97, even during the night. Too hot on the hot side, too cool on the cool side! Grr!

Is this ok though? She's warm enough, and if she gets too hot she can cool off on the cool side.... I have a heating pad under the warm hide; that makes most of the difference, I also have a CHE on the warm side.

Thanks

Crazy4Herps


P.S. I love this site! It has so many cool emoticons!

[Crazy4Herps]

P.P.S. She's 4ft and in a 40 gallon.

[dr del]

Hi,

How are you controling the UTH and ceramic heater at the moment?

It might be possible to move the ceramic more towards the center to keep the cool end temps in the 80-83 range while the UTH hold the hot end temps at 90-94?

How have you insulated the tank and covered the lid? While we're at it what are the humidity readings (they are measured where the base unit is so you may need to move it around to get a good idea of the rang in various spots)?


dr del

[Crazy4Herps]

Hi,

How are you controling the UTH and ceramic heater at the moment?

It might be possible to move the ceramic more towards the center to keep the cool end temps in the 80-83 range while the UTH hold the hot end temps at 90-94?

How have you insulated the tank and covered the lid? While we're at it what are the humidity readings (they are measured where the base unit is so you may need to move it around to get a good idea of the rang in various spots)?


dr del

I am mostly controling them by feel. I use the 1 minute rule; if you hold your hand on it for a minute and you don't get burned, it's safe. Other than that, I just turn them off if they get too hot. (I am pretty low on money, what with my Bearded Dragon prep and everything, but I will get some electric control asap, but for now this method works fine)

That is a good idea, I will move the lamp, although my "warm hide" is actually nearer to the middle of the cage.

I have a glass tank, so it pretty much holds no heat whatsoever. I have a sheet of plexiglass across 3/4 of the screen lid to hold humidity in, the 1/4 is where the CHE lamp is. The humidity is around 70% at the side with the water bowl and around 50% at the opposite side.

[hawaiianice99]

if you are short on $$$ i found that a small space heater from Target has really helped me to control temps. mine cost $25, and it has a built in thermostat.

[mainbutter]

if money isn't TOO tight you can pick up rheostats(light dimmers) for the UTH and CHE.. probably around $10 a peice. Better than just turning them off.

[starmom]

You need to get a thermostat to control the heat. Those temps are too high and too low and could cause the snake to become ill or burned.
Lots of thermostats to choose from: Ranco, Johnson, Helix, Herpstat....