Can't get the temps right!!

[daver676]

The heating pad I have underneath the tank seems to be working ok, with the substrate temp between 90-95, but since it's getting colder out, the cool end of the enclosure, as well as the ambient air temp in the enclosure is dropping as low as 65. I use a 100W red basking bulb on a rheostat during the day. Can I leave the basking light on all the time? My vet told me that the room should be pitch black at night.

Unless someone can suggest a better way to set up the enclosure. I'm trying to do what I can, but I can't keep the temps up at night with just the heating pad.

Thanks.

[Dark_Angel_25]

I HAVE A DAY LIGHT IN THE DAY AND A RED LIGHT AT NIGHT. NO PROBLEMS FOR ME. RED AND THE PURPLE BULBS APARENTLY THE SNAKES DON'T REGISTER AS LIGHT SO IT DOES NOT MESS UP THE DAY NIGHT CYCLE.
oops, sorry for the CAPS...

[daver676]

Originally posted by Dark_Angel_25
I HAVE A DAY LIGHT IN THE DAY AND A RED LIGHT AT NIGHT. NO PROBLEMS FOR ME. RED AND THE PURPLE BULBS APARENTLY THE SNAKES DON'T REGISTER AS LIGHT SO IT DOES NOT MESS UP THE DAY NIGHT CYCLE.
oops, sorry for the CAPS...

Is this for a bp enclosure? Do you also use an UTH? What are your temps like?

[Dark_Angel_25]

yes I have a 3 foor tank for my BP.one one side I have a UTH (although I should buy a bigger one) and I have a large hid that covers the UTH but has some that is not right over it, so my BP can be heated but not overheat. I have another hide on the cool side.

I have one lamp in the centre (but more towards the heated side) with a standard 100 watt soft bulb. at night, I place a RED 60 watt bulb in the lamp, and that is on all night. I have had no problems at all, he eats very well, comes out when the rted light is on (to 'hunt' when he is hungry) and nothing has happened to suggest it is haroming him.

I use the 100 watt inthe day (bright 'sunlight') and the red at night, and his day night cysle hasn't been harmed.

[Dark_Angel_25]

oh yeah, temsp with day 100 watt are around 85 UTH is about 90-95, and red light brings the temp down to about 70-75 (these are all ambient except for the UTH)

[chas*e]

Use a UV lightbulbs at night I do...besides you can see them also when they are the most active(night)

[Dark_Angel_25]

UV lightbulb? why though? they don't need it, and you can see them with the red bulbs anyway and the red (or purple) are cheaper than UVB bulbs...

[Linds]

In addition to red bulbs, another option for boosting the ambient temp can be a CHE. Keep in mind, using any of the above mentioned methods you will need to pay more attention to humidity.

[sapphire_moon]

What is a CHE???? Ceramic Heater????? if so can those dry out an enclosure?