I got my new Cali King!

[newtosnakes]

I took a few pics but I'll post them later b/c I dont have my camera with me. He is totally awesome. He ate the first day I had him.

I'm not sure if this is common but he likes to hang out on top of the fake plant I put in there. Kings arent arborial, are they? Does anyone elses do this? He's in a 10gal tank right now so I'm using a 40 watt bulb. I had a 60 in there but I think it was to hot. The temperature in there was in the 90's with the 60, its in the 80's with the 40. What bulb do you suggest I use for a 10gal? Once he grows, I'll be moving him into a 20gal long! What bulb wattage should I use?

Thanks,
Jessica

[BoidKeeper]

Congrats on the new king!
We can't really suggest a bulb because we don't know what temp the room is that the tank is in. Personally I would toss the light and go with under tank heat, but that is just how I do things.
Now as far as getting the correct temp you need to know exactly what the temp is right under the light. The best way to do that with out a laser thermometer is to get a digital thermometer with a max/min memory and a remote probe.
Depending on the temp in your room you could have your tank set up with a hot spot that is too hot and cool spot that is too cool. So first find out the temp of the cool spot then you can adjust you hot spot from there.
As for the plants, if they are in there the snake will climb them so make sure you lid is secure because the snake will get out if it can.
Cheers,
Trevor
PS
Bring on the pics! We love pics!

[newtosnakes]

Where do I get an under tank heating pad? I'm all for using one! :)

[BoidKeeper]

Pet shop. They come in different sizes. The instructions tell you to stick it to the bottom of the tank. Don't do that because if you ever want to use it on another tank you won't be able to. Also if you break the tank then you need a new heat pad too.
They can get up to 140 degrees so you will need to jack the tank up to allow air flow. Also if it is pressed against the glass and you spill water over it the glass can crack.
Finally if you want to be able to control the heat. All you need to do is guy an extention cord and a dimmer switch. Wire the dimmer switch to the extension cord and then you can turn the heat up and down.
Cheers,
Trevor