is heat lamp light too visible

[Laughingman868]

Hey guys I have a quick question. So ever since the weather changed I have been using heat lamps instead of just a UTH for my carpet and BRB for a supplementary heat source to keep the ambient temps up. My BRB in general isn't as active as my jungle but lately he hasn't been moving. His humidity and temps are spot on and the tank is kept very clean. He does come out to drink so I know he's alright as far as thats concerned.

The difference is the heat source being used, my jungle has a ceramic heat emitter and the BRB just has a red bulb. When the lights are off the jungle comes out but the BRB leaves only to feed when he knows I have food for him. May this be because even though the red is supposed to be less visible to them, they can still see it well since the filament is super bright and its making him think its always day time out which is why he's doesn't roam? Im thinking of switching to a ceramic emitter to see if he comes out at night more often. Thanks in advance for any ideas.

[SnoopySnake]

What're the ambient temps for the BRB? I'm going to guess it has to do with the light, they don't like light very much. I would advise against using a heat lamp and if you have to then go with a radiant heat panel

[Rattlehead]

What's the wattage of the bulb? In cold days I use a 40 watt Zilla black light

[Snakesitter]

^^^ This. I've heard mixed opinions on if rainbows can see red light. But an RHP is safer anyway, and also eliminates the light.

[Laughingman868]

Ill try to explain my heating situation in few words as possible but its sort of complicated.

I have a hygrotherm hooked up for the humidity and heat pad but what I found was that when I set the temp at 83 degrees it would dry out the little sensor which would kick on the fogger. So then the fogger cools things down which caused the pad to run even more. So since they keep causing the other to kick on the mat gets really hot and the tank gets way too humid. This didn't seem to be an issue because he never used the warm side so just I set the temp a little lower and have found a sweet spot at 73. I know every snake is different but he just doesn't seem to like 80 degrees or even close. Even now sometimes the cool end gets to like 70 degrees before the mat kicks on and he stays there, when the other side would be a comfy 76. BUT I have to ask myself, is this maybe because that side has the red light on it so he doesn't wanna go over? I can't see that being the problem because in his cave its obviously dark.

I have 2 separate probes for thermometers run under each hide and the side with the mat is at the 73 its supposed to be and depending on the temp of the room the supplementary lamp keeps the other end at 75-76. I don't know much about these heat panels but I may have to get one. In another couple weeks though cali will be roasting again and the lamp will go away and then ill be desperately trying to keep the tank cool.

Anyway I have gotten the ceramic bulb tonight and his warm end is at 76 without any red light so lets see what he does.

[Laughingman868]

rattle head the red bulb was 150 watt and the ceramic is 150 watt also. I don't know honestly, he seems like he's doing really well. defecates regularly, drinks water all the time, sheds in one piece. I mean he does move at night because he knocks over his trees and stuff which I find in the morning but he just doesn't relax outside of his hides like my jungle. maybe Im just ignorant regarding this species and they just don't like any type of light at all. :hmm:

[Snakesitter]

That makes sense. Out of curiosity, did you ever try moving the sensor to the cool side? Or placing it by the moist moss hide? 73 is fairly low for the warm end. My rainbows tend to move around between temp zones as they see fit.

And God, I hope we have longer than just a few weeks before Cali heats up.

[Snakesitter]

They do dislike bright light. But seeing movement or feeling too exposed can cause the same "stay hidden" reaction.

[Laughingman868]

I have the sensor right over the heat pad because I figured thats where id get the most accurate reading of the temp where he would be laying. See this zoomed hygrotherm is really nice honestly BUT two probes, one for temp and one for humidity would be the ideal way to make it. If I put the probe on the cool end I think that would cause the heat pad to get very hot since it wouldn't pick up the temperature change to kick it off.

And I hope we have longer than a few weeks also but it seems like usually by then middle of my spring semester, which would be in another month or so it starts to get pretty hot. last year was terrible, the AC bill was through the roof trying to keep these guys cool. One day I came home and my room was like 95 degrees...as you can imagine I freaked out.

I remember talking to you at the one show I believe last year. This year I think I seen your stand at the pomona show but I was in search of my gtp ad had to get back to LA so I couldn't stop. Next time Ill have to stop and say hello and check out your snakes. You had some real nice ones last year I remember.

[Snakesitter]

Ah, it's a combo unit -- that makes more sense! Definitely keep it where it is, then.

I would flip at 95 degrees too! OMG!

Please do stop by next show, it'd be great to shake your hand and talk rainbows!