Having issues regulating proper Temps

[TheFrogman]

I'm new to "The Python World", I got my first Spotted Python less than a week ago. I love him, he's amazing, I'm sorry I waited so long to get a Python. At the recommendation of the Mom n Pop Pet Store that I got him from, I put him in a 10 Gallon glass aquarium because he is only 7 months old.

The issue that I am having due to the small tank size is regulating proper Temps.

I have the warm side (Daytime) at 85* F, I have his "Hot Spot" (Basking Area) at 95-96*F, I cant seem to keep his cool side where it should be. His cool side is currently at 85*F.

Are these Temps ok or do I need to put him in something larger so that I can regulate him temps better?

I have always been told, don't go too big.

[LadyWraith]

Bigger is not a problem if you provide enough cover (IE multiple hides, ground cover). I would imagine 10 gallons is just not enough space for a proper temp gradient. That's just my deduction since 10 gallons is a pretty tiny space. If it were me personally, I'd switch to a bigger tub setup (I've found them to be easier to maintain both humidity and temp wise) and add multiple hides throughout.

[marvelfreak]

What are you using to heat it?

[SSSSnakes]

You will have problems trying to have a hot side and a cool side in such a small tank like a ten gallon. Get at least a 20 gallon.

[SnoopySnake]

Basically what LadyWraith and SSSSnakes said..

I would switch to a larger tank/tub with more plants, branches/perches, foliage, etc. As long as the tank isn't too open your snake should be fine in a bigger enclosure.

[TheFrogman]

You guys are the best, I had a feeling the 10G was just too small, Its like trying to regulate the salt in a 5G Saltwater Fish Tank, way too hard.

I pulled a spare 40B that I has laying around my basement (never been used) and fixed it up for him with hides and little "pockets" about every 8 inches. I'm using a Large Heat Pad w/Thermostat attached for hot side and I also have a infrared heat lamp overhead.

Hopefully this should do the trick, I need all of my lil ones happy.

Sorry about the poor quality Photo.

http://i939.photobucket.com/albums/ad240/HarryGopp/Diablostank_zps36af5d77.jpg

[SSSSnakes]

You guys are the best, I had a feeling the 10G was just too small, Its like trying to regulate the salt in a 5G Saltwater Fish Tank, way too hard.

I pulled a spare 40B that I has laying around my basement (never been used) and fixed it up for him with hides and little "pockets" about every 8 inches. I'm using a Large Heat Pad w/Thermostat attached for hot side and I also have a infrared heat lamp overhead.

Hopefully this should do the trick, I need all of my lil ones happy.

Sorry about the poor quality Photo.

http://i939.photobucket.com/albums/ad240/HarryGopp/Diablostank_zps36af5d77.jpg
Looks like a very nice enclosure.

[SnoopySnake]

Looks great! However, I would ditch those analog themometer/hygrometers for a digital one with a probe, as they tend to be more accurate and last longer.

[TheFrogman]

Looks great! However, I would ditch those analog themometer/hygrometers for a digital one with a probe, as they tend to be more accurate and last longer.

I have two digitals with probes, one on each side, you just cant see them. I just threw the analogs in the middle to give them something to do. : )

Thanks

[SnoopySnake]

I have two digitals with probes, one on each side, you just cant see them. I just threw the analogs in the middle to give them something to do. : )

Thanks

Ah, well no worries then! Actually upon looking closer I can see a cord for one I think.. Sorry for the misunderstanding :)

[TheFrogman]

Ah, well no worries then! Actually upon looking closer I can see a cord for one I think.. Sorry for the misunderstanding :)

Never need to be sorry with me, I appreciate all of your feedback and advice, Is a bad picture I know.

Thank you.

[Sharlynn93]

you can see the digital numbers reflected on the glass, i believe...looks nice! :)

[TheFrogman]

you can see the digital numbers reflected on the glass, i believe...looks nice! :)

Thank so much, I try so hard with this being my first Python, I try to give them a happy environment
Ive already added to it since the first pic was taken, more stuff to climb on.

[sharthun]

Looks great! :)

[Chris72]

Good advice so far.

Need some clarification on this:
"I have the warm side (Daytime) at 85* F, I have his "Hot Spot" (Basking Area) at 95-96*F, I cant seem to keep his cool side where it should be. His cool side is currently at 85*F."

>>What is meant by daytime @85? That is 10deg too cool to start with on the hit side. If you are using a night drop then we are going from to cold to even colder.

>>Basking area? (As in overhead?) Ball pythons do not come out to bask in radiant heat like a breaded dragon, etc. If you are supplying the 85deg with an UTH then turn that up to 95 for belly heat on the hot side. A "basking" area is not needed.

>> even though 85 might be a few degrees too hot for the cool side you should focus on getting the right temp on the hot side first, in the right manner.

Also: Consider taking black construction paper and totally covering the back and both sides to limit stress on the animal. Balls like to feel tight, safe and secure.

It's a cozy looking space by the way! :)

.

[TheFrogman]

I'm not totally following you,
First I'm talking about a Spotted Python not a Ba Python. Second why cover back and sides with black paper, they are already covered with a nice rock style tiles.

Below is what I researched and found for care for Spotty's;

Free Reptile Care Sheets - Your source for FREE REPTILE CARE SHEETS! (http://www.freereptilecaresheets.com/site/default.asp?page=Caresheets&ID=159&Type=Snakes)

"Low 70-75F degrees at night are fine for these snakes, but they like daytime temps of 80-85F degrees with an 88-95F degree hot spot. The spotted pythons do not need high humidity."

If this is incorrect please correct my temps.

[Chris72]

Frog:

My bad.
For some reason I guess I must have made the assuption it was a Ball.

As cozy at it looks in the pic (looks good!) it's hard to tell how much is reflected. If you have the back and sides totally / mostly covered then that's fine. (Sides don't look coverd)

[TheFrogman]

Frog:

My bad.
For some reason I guess I must have made the assuption it was a Ball.

As cozy at it looks in the pic (looks good!) it's hard to tell how much is reflected. If you have the back and sides totally / mostly covered then that's fine. (Sides don't look coverd)

My apologies, it is a terrible photo, I have back and sides covered. I have the hot side at 94*F and cool side at 82*F-85*F, I cant get it cooler, is that ok? I thought cool side should be in the 70's?

[Mikoh4792]

If you can't get the coolside to be cooler I'd reccomend lowering the hotside a few degrees.

I'm just surprised how your coolside is so warm even during the Winter. I wish it was that easy for me.


There is a new book coming out this Winter called " The Complete Children's Python" that covers all anteresia subspecies. Very similar to The Complete Carpet Python in that it goes over all husbandry and breeding techniques. Should help you tons.

[Mikoh4792]

And if you can't get your answers here I'd recommend contacting a reputable breeder for advice.

[TheFrogman]

If you can't get the coolside to be cooler I'd reccomend lowering the hotside a few degrees.

I'm just surprised how your coolside is so warm even during the Winter. I wish it was that easy for me.


There is a new book coming out this Winter called " The Complete Children's Python" that covers all anteresia subspecies. Very similar to The Complete Carpet Python in that it goes over all husbandry and breeding techniques. Should help you tons.

Thank you, thanks you for your help, I do appreciate it. I will look for that book.

[TheFrogman]

UPDATE:
First off, thanks to everyone that has helped me in this situation. I replaced the Thermometer on the cool side and I think I fixed my issue. Are the below temps acceptable?

Hot Side 92*F
Cool Side 77*F