Optimal King Setup?

Derek1 · 10-23-14, 06:59 PM

My King stays burrowed 95% of the time. Here is my setup.

29gal tank
Aspen Bedding
Under tank heat pad (not thermostat controlled)
Top light puts out no heat
Large water dish
Hide is on the heat side

My setup and look is pretty boring and would like a better looking display. Is there something I should change to make her more active? I'm more concerned about her health and don't want to change anything that could endanger that, but improve it. Here is a pic.

**EL Ziggy** · 10-23-14, 08:27 PM

A thermostat is very important. Some UTH's can get as high as 120+ degrees. I'd put hides on the hot and cool side and add some fake plants for cover and decor. You could also cover 3 sides of the tank to make her feel more secure. I'm pretty sure she'll be more active as she settles into her new home

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Derek1 · 10-23-14, 09:00 PM

Thanks! Can you recommend a thermo UTH. And what temp it should be se at.

**EL Ziggy** · 10-23-14, 09:21 PM

There are other higher end options but I use hydrofarm t-stats for my 4 snakes and they work great. I set mine between 90-94 to get my surface temps to 86-90.

Amazon.com : Hydrofarm MTPRTC Digital Thermostat for Heat Mats : Plant Germination Heating Mats : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Obsidian_Dragon · 10-24-14, 11:03 AM

I keep my temps a little lower than Ziggy, topping out at around 86, but I use the same thermostat. It's worked great so far! They usually do have to be set around 90 or so to get them there. They're simple on/off type devises so temps will rise and fall a little bit, but that doesn't seem to cause any issues.

Fake plants are great! I also put in a chunk of grape vine and I've caught my king up on it once. And more hides, of course--mine has four. One on each end (warm/cool), one in the middle (a paper towel tube), and then a humid hide kind (margarine container) of off in a corner on the warm side. Mine hangs out there a lot, leading to cup o' Noodle jokes.