Checking Temperatures

[Falconeer999]

I have a 40gal Zilla Critter Cage with a Zoo Med 30-40gal UTH. When applying the UTH, I attached the thermostat probe in the center of the UTH before affixing it to the bottom of the tank. Inside the tank I have a single layer of paper towels and about 1.5 inches of aspen bedding (shavings, not chips).

When checking the temperature with a temperature gun, on the cold side, if I check the temperature at the top, it's 76 degrees, if I push the aspen aside and check the bottom, it's 74 degrees.

On the warm side, if I check the temperature at the top, it's 80-82 degrees, if I check it at the bottom, it's 93 degrees. The thermostat is set at 98 degrees (the 93 degree reading is taken right about where the thermostat probe is). The temperature dissipates fairly quickly as you go out from the center of the heater about 3-4" from the center and it's back to the cold side readings. Is this a sign I need a bigger heater that covers more space (8"x12" - next size up is 8"x18")?

Ambient air temperature in the cage is 76 degrees and drops to about 72 at night.

But, my main question is - should the temperature I'm shooting for (about 90) be measured on the top of the substrate, or at the bottom? The snake (florida kingsnake) spends almost all of his time tunneling under the substrate and is very rarely seen on top. When handling, he feels fairly cool to the touch, but is not lethargic at all - while I push the substrate around taking these readings, he comes shooting to the top and is very active looking around the tank for the cause of the commotion and is very good at eating.

Thanks in advance for answering my questions (and sorry if I rambled/provided any useless information)!

[Kettennatter]

I would simply exeriment, within a reasonable range. Where does your snake tunnel now? Mostly on the hot or the cold side? Does the temperature on the hot side drive him up? This is IMHO more about observing your snakes preferences than an exact science.

[shaunyboy]

if its a heat mat your using,it will do next to nothing for ambient air temperatures,they give off ground heat only mate

i use ceramic non light emmiting bulbls,with a bulb guard and thermostat

it gives good consistant ambient air temperatures,also provides an accurate consistant basking spot

cheers shaun

[Falconeer999]

Shaun: I'm not too worried about ambient air temperature because he'll get his heat from absorbing the heat from what he sits on - I just want to make sure I'm providing a warm enough area when he wants it without cooking him.

Kettennatter: It's hard for me to observe him because he does spend almost all of his time under the aspen out of sight. Maybe every other day I'll see him curled up under/in one of his hides on his cool side. He does have holes all over the enclosure where he's popped up/gone under. They are every where, so it looks like he's spending time in various places.

He just finished a shed over the weekend and it came off in 2 pieces of equal length. This was his first shed since I've had him (almost exactly a month).

[infernalis]

I believe you are over thinking things with your kingsnake.

You live in South Carolina, just a mere two states up from Florida where your KS is from.

Most North American Colubrids thrive just fine without supplemental heat.

When I do use anything at all, it's a small low wattage basking lamp, this allows for simple thermo regulation.

Your temps sound just fine.

During your very short / mild winter, if the snake is spending all day on the heat pad, well turn up your house thermostat a little.

[Kettennatter]

I live in Ohio, and my house is fairly hot during the summer, so I don't provide ay heat for my kings during those months. The winter here is a different story, and I use low-wattage UTHs. But the adjustments are based largely on observation, even if I have to prod for the snake.

[Falconeer999]

Thank you. I'm in the legal profession so tend to over analyze everything. And then go back and over analyze it some more just to make sure.

I had little green anoles as a kid about 30 years ago and had to go with what I could find in the local library (not much). Now with the dearth of information available online, it seems like there's no end of tips/advice/guidelines to try to keep up with. Wanting to provide the best environment as possible - I have a 7 year old daughter who would be upset if anything goes wrong!

[Kettennatter]

Thank you. I'm in the legal profession so tend to over analyze everything. And then go back and over analyze it some more just to make sure.

I had little green anoles as a kid about 30 years ago and had to go with what I could find in the local library (not much). Now with the dearth of information available online, it seems like there's no end of tips/advice/guidelines to try to keep up with. Wanting to provide the best environment as possible - I have a 7 year old daughter who would be upset if anything goes wrong!

You can relax a little bit. You bought a very hardy domestic snake. As far as snakes are concerned, king snakes are relatively easy to keep, have a ferocious appetite and should not cause any major hassles.

Sit back, see how the snake behaves, and adjust accordingly. It's as easy as that.