Do you need a heat pad and light for KSB's

[creepiecrawlie]

I was wondering if you need a heating pad and a light or just a light becuase me and my dad got the things for the trio and he said just to get a light but I thought different and wanted to know what you have to say.

[BurmGuy87]

Well it depends on if the light is a heat source as well.........but still a heat pad on low is good for snakes.....so they dont chill at night. But then again it all depends on your lighting fixtures...or main heat source

[creepiecrawlie]

Thanks for the info my light is one of those lizard lounge thingys you know that you cut into the mesh. I also have abouy 4 inches of sand in there to.

[Stockwell]

The light is for you.I recommend you get a heat pad to provide a substrate in the high 80's at one end.Get a thermometer too, so you can monitor it.
Turn the light off when you're not looking in the tank. Sandboas stay hidden most of the time and even prefer to eat in the dark. They are also hiding under the substrate pretty much all the time, so a light isn't really of much use.
You'll have to remove the snake to look at it.

[creepiecrawlie]

Thanks and yes I do have a thermonitor. This is only a temporary cage for the little ksb.

[Invictus]

Please consider getting it off of sand as well. Sand is absolutely terrible for ANY reptile. I know they are called "sand boas", but in the wild, they are more often found in the burrows of other creatures, not actually buried in the sand. Sand traps heat, and allows for no oxygen flow. All of my kenyans are on shredded aspen shavings, and this suits ALL of their needs - they can burrow, they can breathe, and the heat doesn't get trapped.

Lose the light too... that heat wouldn't get to the lowest point, which is what kenyans always seek out.

[creepiecrawlie]

I have the calcium sand stuff would that make any difference?

[Invictus]

None at all. It's a bit less likely to cause impactions, but traps heat and restricts air flow all the same.

[BoidKeeper]

I use heat pad under rubbermaids and I keep them on shreaded aspen or betta chip.
Cheers,
Trevor

[creepiecrawlie]

Thanks everyone! I made a little homemade rodent tunnel throughout the cage so he goes under the sand with out the heat and air being trappd.