thermostat which and how and feeding

[Ophion]

Interesting debate. I can certainly understand it would be more insulated and thus a bit warmer under aspen, but since Ophion spend most of his resting time submerged in the aspen I would prefer it turn off in that insulated area rather than possibly get too warm. (and heaven knows I wouldn't want to take away something he likes either)

BigByrd to answer you question I got him on Tuesday.

I held him for a bit this evening as he seemed quite comfortable. He kept following my hand around his viv while I was tidying up his water area. When I sat still for a bit he just hopped (well, obviously not literally) on my hand. I wanted to make sure I wasn't over stressing my, but he seemed to just slowly weaved around my hands and fingers and was reluctant to go back in (I would be too with possible escape in mind!). He has yet to attempt to strike or flee or do anything that appears tense unless I am missing anything. I would like to try feeding him tomorrow evening unless there is thought I should still wait. The woman who fed him said he was a good eater and while she normally could only give him one thought he should be given two.

 

[Naagas]

yes certainly.

if the aspen covers the heat mat, it causes insulation, and thus temperature increasing, therefore the thermostat hits the set temp and turns of the heat mat

if snakey is on top of the aspen, and not in between aspen and heat mat, then the temp on top surface, considerbaly lower than the heat mat temp

if say u then had thick aspen, and probes on top of aspen, then if snakey burrows, the heat mat will be too HOT as the heat mat is insulated, but the top surface has to reach the set temp before switching off

where as if you have very little aspen on heat mat, and probes on top of this, the temp will be more accurate, without insulation, and the termostat turning of heat mat at the correct set temp, so snakey is not too hot (burned as they dont feel it like we do), OR too cold

This is why you need the probe UNDER the aspen!!! Don't put your probe over the aspen... your snake will get burned when it burrows.

 

[jessicalb]

yes certainly.
if the aspen covers the heat mat, it causes insulation, and thus temperature increasing, therefore the thermostat hits the set temp and turns of the heat mat

if snakey is on top of the aspen, and not in between aspen and heat mat, then the temp on top surface, considerbaly lower than the heat mat temp

Thanks for explaining. I'm wondering, though, if they know to go to the warm side to get warm, don't they also know to burrow to get closer to the warmest spot? Just a thought...

 

[CentricMalteser]

yes they do know how to burrow

but you have aspen too thick, probes on top of aspen = burrowing into aspen will be hotter than your set temp

aspen too thick, probes underneath aspen = on top much less than set temp

aspen very thin, probes on heated area = perfect temp

dont forget, your corn may not burrow all the time, and they may not stay on top all the time,

hopefully that simplified as I think my previous post could be slightly confusing for you

Thanks for explaining. I'm wondering, though, if they know to go to the warm side to get warm, don't they also know to burrow to get closer to the warmest spot? Just a thought...

 

[annacobb]

I had noticed this same thing while giving my set up its dry run...I had a little time to play with temps and where to measure and all that. At one point I had 3 probes all on the hot side burried at different levels (I wish I had kept detailed temp records now) but it did insolate quite a bit 10+ degrees if I remember correctly. I am sure I don't have an opinion on what is better or safer but I know Ginger is a burrowing lil thing, so I lowered the thermostat and gave her a few inches of aspen...so maybe its one of those "all snakes are different" kinda things.

 

[CentricMalteser]

if temps are correct at the site of the heated area, and they have a decent hide, where they can do just that, then they will be very happy sitting on top of the heat mat (i covered my with a sheet of newspaper, and left the probes on top,

and therefore the temp is the same, where as having an inch layer would mean a vertical temp gradient with risk of burning,

and that is why the cooler side is much thicker, so my Bruge can burrow herself,

please look at the simple diagram of a basic setup which i feel is perfect

the red is the heat mat
the yellow is the aspen substrate, and obiously the brown thing the hide

 

[Ophion]

Centric I think the understanding of how it works isn't missed. The idea is that if the snake enjoys burrowing in aspen then make the temps there suitable (meaning putting the probe under). Sure the top will be cooler, but since these would be snakes that prefer to burrow, why force them to sit on top in the warm area?

I see nothing wrong with your demonstration, but I see nothing wrong the other way either. As long as the snake is comfortable that is all that matters, right? :dancer:

 

[CentricMalteser]

I'm not suggesting the understanding is missed, just trying illustrate in different ways lol

Can you say 100% of the time every corn snake wants to burrow for heat?

no, I had an Anery that absolutly loved burrowing apart from when he was fed, then he didnt burrow for a good 3 days

my carolina, likes to burrow once in a while,

And usually corns only burrow, mainly to hide, or to strike prey when they are hungry etc,

it isnt anything to do with insulation of heat, as we all know they absorbed heat directly through their belly

and i see where you are coming from also, but I am merely stating, to give the best possible and most accurate temp, to prevent any issues within temperature

and you really cant tell if a snake is comfortable until health problems occur, such as most commonly cos of temp problems - regurge

you can only guess by giving them the best possible environment, with the correct temps,

but i do accept your point of view and see where you coming from

Centric I think the understanding of how it works isn't missed. The idea is that if the snake enjoys burrowing in aspen then make the temps there suitable (meaning putting the probe under). Sure the top will be cooler, but since these would be snakes that prefer to burrow, why force them to sit on top in the warm area?

I see nothing wrong with your demonstration, but I see nothing wrong the other way either. As long as the snake is comfortable that is all that matters, right? :dancer:

 

[Naagas]

I see the idea, and I think it is a valid way to do it. I've never thought of doing it that way before.


However.... I think that the majority of my snakes would just rearrange the aspen and hides to their liking. I have snakes that move all the aspen away from the area with the heat pad all on their own, and I have snakes that push aspen over the heat pad to burrow.

I just try to indulge their own personalities and give them the option to choose.

Again, the probe needs to be directly on top of the heat pad, under any substrate, or you are going to burn your corn if they decide to burrow. This seems to be a point of confusion. It doesn't matter where you put aspen so much as where you put the heat probe. You need to measure the hottest point that the snake can possibly get to.

 

[Taz Monkey]

I have probably 4 inches of aspen in one of my snakes tanks, because she likes to burrow under and make tunnels, etc. I have my herpstat set at 80.5, and this keeps the UTH at a steady 83-85 degrees, and I check both the thermometer and with a temp gun.

 

[Naagas]

Sounds like you have a great set up!

 

[rickmoss95]

I use herpstat, but they are more expensive. They are worth every penny though.

i agree..herpstats are about the best imo!