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Heating question: having some trouble

B

broken_20_2

New member
Hello all. I'm a virgin here, this is my first post. My girlfriend and I recently bought two corns (crimson and snow) while we were out buying a pet for her daughter. The current setup for the corns is: 10 gallon tank, "astroturf" bedding, side mounted Retip-Therm, metal lamp w/ 60 watt bulb. I have two thermometers to measure temps at both sides of the cage. I have done a lot of research and reading on the subject of heating the cage, and everywhere I look says that it is best for hatchlings to have an air temp of 95-85 for digestion purposes. We live in an old, uninsulated house, and it does get cold at night. with the set up that I have, the temp is usually around 84-78. Since I'm certain that we will be getting atleast one more corn, I was going to go out tonight and buy a 20 gallon, which will help with the lower temp, I shouldn't have any problems getting it down to 75 at night. What I am looking for is suggestions on how to get my "warm" side up in the higher 80's or low 90's. Should I use a bottom mounted Repti-Therm on the new 20 gallon? Do I need a higher watt bulb for the top light? Am I just being paranoid and taking the temps from the articles I've read as God's word and over reacting about this whole thing? I love our snakes, and want them to healthy and happy, so any help would be appreciated. Thanks. :wavey:
 
I had one more question... currently the tank is on an wooden table. When I get the new 20 gallon tank, and if I decide to use a UTH (I'm assuming that means Under Tank Heat... like I said, I'm new...), will the wood be safe, or do I need to find a new spot for the tank? Also, is it good to leave the bulb on top on all the time, or do they need "dark" time? Thanks again!
 
I think your temps are a little hot. I keep my temps around 83(warm) and 74(cold). I would recommend aspen bedding for your substrate. I also use a side mounted Repti-Therm and have had no problems with my corn digesting. Are you
housing your snakes together? There is alot of threads about that very subject. Opinions go both ways. Do a search and read the threads about that. I wouldn't recommend it, but many do so. Good luck and enjoy your snakes!! :cheers:
 
To your second question, the UTH's come with peel and stick feet to put on the corners of your Viv. This gives you room for your UTH and helps heat not build up by providing ventilation. From what I have read and understand about UTH's, as long as there is not a towel or covering on your table, this should not be a problem. I use no other heat source. No extra light above the tank. The only light in my tank is natural light coming in the windows. In the winter I might add some extra heat with a bulb, depending on the weather. But since I have only had my snake for a couple months(July 05 hatchling), I have no experience with wintertime temps yet. I will play it by ear. Hope this helps. I am sure others will chime in with more info for you to digest. Once again...Good Luck and enjoy. :cheers:
 
Thank You Mary! I'm learning. This forum has helped tremendously. I feel alot more confident about caring for my corn since joining and reading pretty much everything on the forums. Thanks to you all for a really awesome site!! :grin01:
 
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