Temperatures and where to take them

akroflyer · #1 (**permalink**) 10-28-2007, 04:06 AM

I have a nice new cage from animalplastics with their standard heat rope installed. I hooked it up to a dimmer and messed around with it for a few days to get a feel for what settings produce what temperatures.

My main question is where I should take the temperature at? The floor of the cage where the heat is? The top of the substrate (aspen)?? I've already found settings that produce a very reliable 88-90 degrees on the floor.

I worry about getting the top of the substrate to the 88degree mark in case the snake burrows down to the floor where it would be more like 95.

I'm in the process of ordering a Caulker Cay boa and want to get her cage set up perfect for when she arrives.

Stargazer · #2 (**permalink**) 10-28-2007, 04:15 AM

I am not the expert on this, but my thermometers are halfway down on the warm end and in the middle. I also use a temp gun to get the temps on the floor of the tank where the UTH is. But I have glass tanks. I recommend a temp gun as you can use it anywhere in the cage.

ssjsmits · #3 (**permalink**) 10-28-2007, 07:51 AM

I assume you are measuring you temps with a temp gun. What desired temp are you looking for. If there's that much varience from under the substrate to the top, try thinning it over the basking area. Everyone will tell you what basking temp you should have, but 95 won't kill your snake. It's fine.

akroflyer · #4 (**permalink**) 10-28-2007, 08:16 AM

I know I'm probably overstressing about it but this will be my 1st snake...

Thanks for the prompt, informative responses

I'm going for 88-90 basking and 75-78 cool side

ssjsmits · #5 (**permalink**) 10-28-2007, 08:20 AM

Who are you getting the Caulker from?

Stargazer · #6 (**permalink**) 11-02-2007, 01:35 AM

After rereading your post, Akro, looks like you may already have a temp gun. I am also having difficulty figuring out where the temps should be taken. With a UTH and a CHE in the tank, the temps vary from spot to spot and can get pretty hot on the floor in some areas while the air temp is cooler. So I'm hoping you get some more advice on this, as it will help me too. It's always good to observe your snake. If you have a good temperature variant, the snake will be going back and forth to regulate its temperature, and the exercise is good for him. If it's too warm, the snake will stay only in the cool end and vice versa. If he's pooping frequently, it may also be a sign of a too warm cage (but not necessarily).

akroflyer · #7 (**permalink**) 11-04-2007, 05:19 AM

Well I have been going with floor temps and I think I need to bump up the heat a bit. There seems to be about a 5 degree change from the floor to the top of the aspen. Caulkers are used to slightly lower temps than most boas so I've been using 90 floor temps that make the top of the aspen 86.

For the last few days she's been on the hot side barely moving (just ate a big meal 11-1) so I'm guessing she's trying to soak up as much heat as she can to help her digest. I'll bump the heat a few degrees and see what happens.

Oh, one more quick question while we're on the topic of temps---- How much of a night drop should I provide? 5? 10? I've been dropping 7degrees each night but thats just guesswork. A lot of books and posts talk about night drops but not how much.

Thanks for all the help!

LS84 · #8 (**permalink**) 11-04-2007, 05:41 AM

I dont even do night drops. I know some do, and especially for the hard core breeders...but I think most people dont lower temps at night for their pets,

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