UTH Heating

[corneliusmom20]

Hi everyone..
I got a Pastel Columbian Boa on Saturday and i'm trying to figure out what the right temp would be above the UTH.
She's living in a 71 Quart tupperware container right now, and the area above the UTH is reading 86F.....im wondering whether that is enough or maybe i should find a way to get it hotter.
We have the UTH on a tile under the container...it has rubber feet on the tile acting as spacers....
so is this temp ok?? or should i take the feet off so the temp can rise?

	Under Tank Heater Under Tank Heater

[ssjsmits]

What are you using to measure temps with? Do you own a infared temp gun? If not, that would be a wise choice. Instant readings. I try to keep my uth's around 90.

	Under Tank Heater Under Tank Heater

[LS84]

I have mine around 86 as well. It increases and decreases with the room temp so sometimes its a little hotter sometimes a little cooler. You should definately use a digital thermometer or a temp gun, much more accurate. Those stick on ones dont work. Also, the UTH needs to be on a dimmer, is it? It might read 86 now, but they keep running for a few days and over heat, One of my Zoo Med UTH got to over 125 degrees after staying at a constand 89 for a few weeks. It charred the inside of my cage.

	Under Tank Heater Under Tank Heater

[corneliusmom20]

Thanks everyone...
i have a digital probe thermometer..i use it for my reptiles and aquariums.
It does read 86 at the moment...im just not sure whether i should get it a little hotter.
I don't have a dimmer yet....where can i get these dimmers???
She seems to have digested well cause i fed her Saturday and now there's a "pile".

[LS84]

you really shouldnt be using it without the dimmer. You wont be able to watch it all day and night to make sure it doesnt spike and cause a fire.

[ssjsmits]

That digital thermometer is giving you an air temp, not a surface. An 86 degree air temp could very well be a 90 degree surface. F.Y.I Which is not bad by no means, but stresses the importance of a temp gun IMO.

	In My Opinon IMO = In My Opinion and IMHO = In My Honest Opinion

[Aaron_NSBM]

I do 88 hot side air temp for my boas except for 90 with my gravid females.

	Gravid Gravid term used in biology to describe the condition of a female oviparous when carrying young internally.

[CuZiMoUtSiDeThEbOx]

how much are these temp guns and where are the best places to buy???

[corneliusmom20]

Im wondering the same thing..ive looked online and some place wants 100$...thats a lil steep.