Redtail home - Temp problem

maccaw1 · 03-08-05, 05:29 PM

Ok, I'm getting ready for my new Redtail and am getting her home ready.
I put an under tank heater on the bottom of a 55 gal aquarium at one end along with a 55watt bulb for basking. My problem is that the temp on the basking side is only 83.5 degrees and on the other side it's 78.5 however under her hiding place on the backing side it's already 94.2 deg propably because of the under tank heater. What should I do?

tHeGiNo · 03-08-05, 06:05 PM

Double post, please delete.

tHeGiNo · 03-08-05, 06:07 PM

Hey there, 94◦F isn't dangerously hot but it is on the hot side. To control the temperature of the heat pad, however, you could purchase what is called a rheostat. If you are electrically competant, you can make your own, and there are instructions on this site as to how to make one. Alternatively, your local petstore will have a rheostat by ZooMed for around $30.00.

Here is the product I am referring to:

http://www.petsmart.com/global/produ...=1110325185823

maccaw1 · 03-08-05, 06:11 PM

I happen to have one. So should I get a better heat sorce for basking? I didn't want the increase it and make the hiding area even hotter. I also cut small vents in the hiding area which has made the tep drop a little in there.

HetForHuman · 03-08-05, 06:35 PM

All you need for the basking spot, is to have the floor where the snake lays to be about 92 degrees. You do not need the one whole side of the cage to be at that temp..

The Temp inside the whole cage (ambient) temp, should be about 80-82..

Also what are you using to measure your temps?

maccaw1 · 03-08-05, 06:46 PM

Good to hear, I think I will replace the 55 watt bulb with a ceramic Heat Emmiter though, as I have low voltage cabnit light to provide daylight lighting. And the cooler side of the take is a bit cool yet at 73.3 deg.
I bought two digital thermometers ( one for each side ) to keep track of the Temps.

Does this all seem right? It's been a long time since I've owned snakes!

HetForHuman · 03-08-05, 06:56 PM

Yeah i think the ceramic heat emmiter should be alright, although i have never used one..

In my snake room, i simply just heat the whole room to about 82, but for just 1 snake you probably wouldnt want to do that.

If you have to, maybe just get another one of those reostats, and hook it to the CHE to get the proper ambient inside the cage..

Good luck and let us know how it goes..

Also its good to see you are getting everything ready before you buy the snake..

maccaw1 · 03-08-05, 07:02 PM

Thanks for all your help. I'll pick up another reostat. I want our new girl to be comfortable! Picking her up tomorrow! I'll post a picture. Again thanks for all your help. Any further tips would be greatly apreciated!