heating question

[bbailey1392]

I got two boas from a guy with a 150 gallon aquarium and some heaters/lights ect. I have two cobra heat mats on the bottom of the cage on one side, and two ceramic heat emitters on a thermostat set to 90F on the same side to set up a basking are. I was told you need to put the heat on one side to set up a temp gradient so the snakes can regulate their own temperature. The cold end is much cooler than I think it should be. It gets as cool as 65 at night. I figured that as long as they had a warm place to go it would be no big deal though. The thing is they seem to stay in the cold side all 90% of the time. when I handle them they feel pretty cold. After they're handled they perk up and stay on the warm side for a while, but come morning they are on the cold side again and will stay there until I disturb them. They have a hide at both ends. Do I have a heating problem, and if so does anyone have any recomendations on how to fix it. I plan on getting better and seperate cages for them in a month or so, so however I fix it, I'd like to be able to use the same heating equipment in the new cages.
Thanks

[Pontus]

heat your room to 75 thats what i had to end up doing

oh well its the better for the snakes i got but i would love my cold room back

[Big Mike]

What is the temp right on the floor of the enclosure, over the heat mats? Where is the probe for the thermostat? Are the heat mats running through the thermostat or just the heat emitters?

Sounds like, to me, that the snake's behaviour is telling you that it's too warm. Even with a thermostat, it's a good idea to have a reliable thermometer measuring the hottest spot. I like the digital indoor/outdoor thermometers that are available at hardware stores.

You are on the right track with the gradient. 65 might be a little too low but the important part is the warm end. It has to be warm enough for proper digestion yet not hot enough to burn the snake. Check those temps again and make adjustments if necessary.

[bbailey1392]

I only have the heat emitters on thermostat, with the probe about an inch above the substrate under the heaters and light. The mats are cobra mats stuck to the bottom of the tank under the heaters. The temperature on the readout for the thermostat usually stays between 75 and 85, depending on the basking light and the room temp (they live in the living room). I have a temp gun on order so that I can more accurately measure the temps, but that will be a few days. I got them up this morning, and they've been in the warm hide all day. So I dont think it's too hot for them. It just seems wierd for them to stay in the cool end for so long.
Thanks again,
Brian