Question about heating a retic's enclosure

[KyleKennedy]

I have a 4 foot retic in a 30 gallon tank. It's not ideal, but it's only temporary until I build a bigger and better one. I am using a standard household light bulb (50 watts) inside a dome on top of the hot side of the tank. It doesn't sound like much, but when I took the temp with my temp gun, the temperature was reading 94 degrees. I have aluminum tape covering the entire top of the tank, and around the dome to trap the heat and humidity. Should I continue using this light bulb, or should I buy a bulb specifically made for heating reptiles? I have a heat pad, but it is way too big for the tank. Any suggestions?

[Albert Clark]

Hey Kyle, The 30 gallon is fine until you can do better. Maybe what you can consider is raising the distance between the tank and the dome to lower the 94F reading. I know retics like to climb sometimes are you planning on making that a possibility in the tank? Can you get a dimmer or rheostat for the heat pad ? That way you could control the heat off the pad regardless of how big it is. You would also be able to ditch the dome. You could also cover three sides of the tank with foil as well. I would try and find a way to make the heat pad work for me. Ask about a "versa top" for the top of the tank also. Petland sells them, it will help the ambient temps as well as the humidity. Good luck. :blink:

[millertime89]

I would just raise the blub/light dome fixture up or get heat tape (still works on an aquarium).

[bigsnakegirl785]

Ideally, you'd want to use heat tape and/or a CHE on a thermostat, but for a temporary fix the light bulb should be fine. If you could get a thermostat capable of controlling the heat off a light, that would be most preferable over just raising it up or using a rheosat/dimmer.

What are you planning on doing with the more permanent enclosure?

[KyleKennedy]

I plan on just cutting out 2 holes on top of the custom built cage for the heat lamps, and placing a heat pad underneath the enclosure, aswell.

[bigsnakegirl785]

That should be fine, just be sure to keep a close eye on humidity. Heat lamps, as well as CHE's, can suck out the humidity.

[KyleKennedy]

I know, but in the meantime I always make sure he has a big enough water bowl and I mist the tank daily with zilla tropical mist and warm water

[eminart]

You can make a simple rheostat for less than $10.

Here's a quick link. There are others instructions out there, but it's an easy process.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?78848-DIY-Rheostat-%28dimmer%29-for-temp-control