New to herps - heat problems

trailblazer295 · 12-12-14, 05:13 PM

Hey everyone

I'm in the process of setting up my first reptile tank and a quick google search for snake forums I found this place. I've found dedicated forums to be very helpful in the past. After extensive research on various lizards and snakes I decided a ball python was a good fit for me. I'm really excited to select and buy my first snake but first I wanted to have the tank setup with stable heat temps. I bought a 24x24x12 pvc enclosure yesterday. I have it set up with a UTH controlled by a reptitemp 500r and I'm using a Zilla thermo/hyrometer as well as a yellow jacket infared gun to spot check (I'm an HVAC tech) After 24hrs and playing with sensor location and the control on the stat I have the hot spot at 92f but the rest of the enclosure is 72-74f. The room temp is 71f right now but I know fluctuates depending on the time of day avg is a low of 68f overnight. The UTH is sized for a 30-40gallon tank. I thought this would be sufficient to heat the enclosure. I'm worried the ambient temps in the rest of it aren't warm enough. Do I need another lower powered heat source for the front? Any help is appreciated.

**millertime89** · 12-12-14, 05:50 PM

Another heat source isn't necessary but what you can do is cover the top of the cage (you don't specify so I'm assuming it's a screen) with a blanket and then put cardboard or something else on three of the four sides to act as insulation.

trailblazer295 · 12-12-14, 05:55 PM

No it's a PVC snake cage, this size I was told was built for ball pythons. I just tried covering one of the two vents on the back to see what impact it would have. The humidity is at 41% right now before the change. I'll give it till morning and see what happens.

**millertime89** · 12-12-14, 06:31 PM

What size is your UTH? Those cages usually provide good enough insulation, the vent may be the culprit though.

trailblazer295 · 12-12-14, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by millertime89

What size is your UTH? Those cages usually provide good enough insulation, the vent may be the culprit though.

It's about 8x15 sized for 30-40 gallon tank I believe it's 16w, zoomed reptitherm. Since covering the vent the front temp on the aspen has risen to 74F. I've also adjusted the sensor location. They are just running through the front for now, I'll be drilling holes in the back tomorrow to run them clean inside. Just trying to get the temps in a range where I'm comfortable buying a snake.

Current hot spot temp is 93F with heater on and consistent 74F in the front section with an infrared gun. Humidity is 42%

Mikoh4792 · 12-12-14, 06:50 PM

Use a radiant heat panel to heat the ambient temps, and then use the UTH for the hotspot.

trailblazer295 · 12-12-14, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

Use a radiant heat panel to heat the ambient temps, and then use the UTH for the hotspot.

If the hotspot is the back left corner where should I position that? I've read about those a few times while searching tonight. I'll buy one tomorrow. What size or wattage should I be looking for?

**EL Ziggy** · 12-12-14, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

Use a radiant heat panel to heat the ambient temps, and then use the UTH for the hotspot.

^^That'll do it. ^^

Mikoh4792 · 12-12-14, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trailblazer295

If the hotspot is the back left corner where should I position that? I've read about those a few times while searching tonight. I'll buy one tomorrow. What size or wattage should I be looking for?

Use it also in the back left corner. I'd buy the smallest size available since the cage is only 2x2x12". Probably something near 28 watts

trailblazer295 · 12-12-14, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

Use it also in the back left corner. I'd buy the smallest size available since the cage is only 2x2x12". Probably something near 28 watts

I'd mount it where on the side?

Mikoh4792 · 12-12-14, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trailblazer295

I'd mount it where on the side?

No the ceiling like this

trailblazer295 · 12-12-14, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

No the ceiling like this

Oh okay and this will raise the ambient temperature for the rest of the tank?

Would plugging this into my reptitherm be okay so it cycles on as the floor temp drops? If I need a seperate stat I'll do it, I'm of the belief do it right or don't it at all. The old saying don't do it half....

**millertime89** · 12-12-14, 07:14 PM

I would position the heat pad a little more towards the middle (front to back) but still on the left. I would go 4.5in from the front and back and 2-4 inches in, that will disperse the heat a little bit more while still providing a concentrated hot spot.

trailblazer295 · 12-12-14, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by millertime89

I would position the heat pad a little more towards the middle (front to back) but still on the left. I would go 4.5in from the front and back and 2-4 inches in, that will disperse the heat a little bit more while still providing a concentrated hot spot.

Even the area directly to the right of it is the same temp as the front much further away. it doesn't seem to heat an area beyond the border of it.

**millertime89** · 12-12-14, 08:10 PM

What brand uth?