newbie temp question

[bigbosky]

I keep corn snakes now and im considering getting a carpet python.
With my corns the ambient temp dosent matter as long as its not below the 70's range and they get plenty of belly heat. Will a carpet python be ok with ambient air in the 70's and belly heat in the high 80's?

[MoreliAddict]

Carpets should have a cool side of around 75 degrees, and a hot spot that's around 88-92 degrees. I use radiant heat panels, and I recommend that instead of a uth, always use a thermostat with a temperature probe to control them.

Nice taste going for the Carpet! http://www.lilwaynehq.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbs.gif

[bigbosky]

are those heat panels expensive to keep going?
and where can I get them?

[Gungirl]

Here is a link to where you can get radiant heat panels.... they are not expensive to run at all. You HAVE to have them on a thermostat as you do with any heat source. I use these for my GTP, Royals and boa. I love them.

Reptile Basics Inc (http://www.reptilebasics.com/index.php?p=catalog&mode=search&search_in=all&search_str=radiant+heat+&x=0&y=0)

[bigbosky]

do those heat panels go inside the enclosure?
If they do does that mean i need a front opening enclosure?
I already have a top opening enclosure for it

[shaunyboy]

imo you would be better using a ceramic set up,it will give you....

a good hot spot...

by using branches around the heat source,you get multipule hot spots,the higher/closer to the heat source the snake gets,the hotter the spot becomes

re ambient air temp's
i have found that,ceramic bulbs give you good,consistent ambient air temperatures

re temperatures
hot spot of 90f

re temperature gradient
86f to 90f hot end,cool end 76f to 82f

i use the above temperatures as a starting point,then.....

i watch the snake over 4 to 6 weeks,adjusting his temp's according to his behavoir...

if he is CONSTANTLY up his COOL end,i DROP the HOT end temps,by 2 degrees f,every 7 to 10 days,until he starts to use BOTH end of his tank to thermoregulate

if he is constantly up his HOT end,i RAISE the temperature 2 degrees f,every 7 to 10 days,until he starts to use BOTH ends of his tank to thermoregulate

i have had carpets,who seemed to prefer it hotter than the " care sheet " figures dictated,i have also had carpets,who seem to prefer it cooler

re care sheets
a GOOD care sheet is an excellent means of information to get you started,a good book and probaly the only carpet book you'll ever need is.....

Keeping and Breeding Australian Pythons
Edited by,Mike Swan

another good book is...

The Complete Carpet Python
By,Mike Curtin and Jason Julander

imo,carpet pythons are...

easy to keep

mine shed just fine at the U.K room humidity of 45% to 65%

imo,they are GREAT looking snakes,who most of the time,are out on display,either,out prowling in hunting mode,hanging off a branch,or searching for somewhere to escape from

colourwise,i have seen some,very vibrantly coloured,beautifully patterned,carpet pythons,some even being a NEON yellow,with a deep black velvet like pattern

they are good feeders,with a great feeding response,i have found mine can at times REMAIN in feeding mode,for 24 to 48 hours,after their last feed,mine tend to strike first,wonder if its food later,they hit ANY heat signature detected entering their tank...

i DON'T go into their tank,from the minute i take the prey out to defrost,until 48 hours AFTER i feed them (apart from the actual feeding,with tongs)

they are a very hardy species and GREAT snakes to keep,they're,active,alert,always watching,always up to something,interesting to observe

must warn you,they are VERY addictive :)

cheers shaun

[bigbosky]

thanks for all the information guys!
has anyone ever bought from backwater reptiles? or would you reccomend another place to buy?