JCP stays on the cool side of the tank

[jobu84]

Hey guys,

Recent JCP owner and been wondering about my snake staying on the cool side all the time. Shes 9 1/2 months and when I moved her into the 30g she stayed in a middle hide for a while so the temp was around 82-84 depending on weather and though she wasnt very active (getting used to new enclosure) at least she wasn't on the far end of the tank. However, now that I got her to eat and shes been digesting her meal, she moved to the cool end which ranges between 75-79, and shes been over on that side since she ate. Correct me, please, if Im wrong but don't snakes usually go towards the heat after a meal? I mean it may not be right after but at least a day or 2 in? Also, I just decided to cover up part of her enclosure so she doesn't get stressed by me or my bf walking around throughout the day. Let me know guys. Thanks!

Edit: Also, the temp drops at night so it can get as low as 71-73.

[Albert Clark]

Double check the warm side temperature and make sure it is not too hot. Do you use a temp gun to measure temps? Is the heat source regulated by a thermostat?

[jobu84]

The heat source is not regulated by a thermostat. I check it whenever I am at home, so at the very least twice a day, theres not much temp change throughout the day. I have a temp gauge i move to check each side and i make sure the hot side, the higher end doesn't reach more than 90.5. From there I know that the temp decreases the further down you go and at the bottom of the hot side its around 88. I'll try raising the lamp, but I feel as though because it can reach low temperatures on the cool side and she doesnt move I don't want to give her any less heat. Guess thats a bit backwards thinking huh.

[shaunyboy]

get a thermostat for your heat source,it can be a fire hazard without one


what type of heat source are you using ?

when you say your using a temperature gauge,is it the small dial type you stick on the tank ?

if it is where is it placed ?

on the floor of the tank or on a wall ?

imo your hot ends too hot mate


could you please post some pictures of your set up



cheers shaun

[Paul K]

you will need a thermostat if you use a UTH, if you are not i highly recommend getting one. make sure when you are measuring the temperature you are in the substrate where the snake would be not just on top of the substrate. just in case you don't have a hide by the heat source, add one or change the hide on the cool side with the one one the hot side. that has worked for me in the past.