Need help on Temperature range

[griz]

I created a beautiful custom oak cage for my 2 new Redtails coming in this Wednesday. The base is 48 x 24 x 18 however there is also a top that firmly attaches to it that adds approximately another 40 inches to the height and 2 inches to the width and length. The base unit (think of it as an aquarium except made out of oak ie solid sides/bottom but open top) has to permanently attached hide boxes one on each side. One of them has a heating pad directly underneath it while the other side is void of any heating to give me a better variation in temps. My heated hide box is at 93 degree's constant. My non-heated box is at 68 degree's. I will check the temp at the top of the box a bit later but am slightly worried that my temp variation is to wide. Thoughts?

Griz

[Invictus]

Not only is your low temp WAY too low (a boa should never have to deal with temp less than 75), but housing 2 snakes together is widely accepted as being a bad idea. It can cause competition, which can lead to stress, not to mention, things like early breeding which can kill them (assuming you have a m/f pair). First things first though - you need to get those temps up.

[griz]

I don't disagree on the issue of keeping them both together however they have been brought up this way and are both close to 3 years of age. This particular cage was designed by me to house an ETB but that purchase has not taken place yet. So, in the meantime, these two will be kept in this enclosure until such time that I can build 2 seperate melamine enclosures which should be in the next few weeks. I know I can put a heat lamp at the top but really don't want to do that due to aesthetic reasons. I reckon if nothing else I can put another heating pad under both sides to keep the heat more constant. The temp at the top of the cage is at 72 degree's right now but then again that is also approximately 4 feet up from the bottom and it's still morning here (cooler temps). Any other thoughts on how to keep this more constant as with ETB's I cannot have such variances.

Griz

[beardiefan]

Aesthetic reasons should NEVER out way the needs of the animal.
Add the heat lamp temporarily if you must, but give the animals what they need. And just because it's been like that it doesn't make it right. Don

[Invictus]

Agreed 100% with Don, he said everything I would have.

[griz]

Understood guys, however my intent evidentally did not come through. Aesthetic value will not outweight the importance of the animal and did not mean for my post to say otherwise. What I was implying is this....is there a better way of heating the enclosure without disturbing the aesthetic appeal of the enclosure? If there is not, then obviously a heat lamp is the solution. However, if there is a better way then even better! I raised numerous CBI's about a decade ago and just now getting back into the game. Alot has changed over the years and trying to reintroduce myself has been a learning experience!

At purchased a heat lamp today and the temp is slowly rising. However, this is just a temp solution until I can find a better and more appealing way to heat the tank. If I can't then so be it. Any other thoughts is much appreciated!

Griz

[Invictus]

Well, one possible solution would be to not use a tank. Custom built wood enclosures hold heat a lot better than an open-topped glass tank.

[griz]

When I said Tank I meant enclosure. It is a custom built wooden enclosure per my original posting above.

[lolaophidia]

How about a radiant heat panel instead of a basking lamp to raise the temps at the top of the cage?

[griz]

Well, just went and checked the temps. The basking spot has a temp of 93 degree's and the remainder of the enclosure is at 84 with the heat lamp shining part way on the enclosure. That should get me well on my way at least for now. At some point, I probably will install a heat panel though.

Griz