how to get the right temp in my tank

[Black stripe cornsnake]

i have a black stripe corn and im having real trouble heating him right im using a heat mat on bottom on the outside at first it didnt seem to be heating enough it was only 21 c so ive backed it with polerstyrine (sorry i cant spell) but that has pushed the temp up to 36/38 c and im worried about my new animal as i cant seem to get it right can someone please give me some advice ive looked all over the net but seem to get to many contradicting bits of info

I look forward to ur help and advice

[John]

It would help to get, if you haven't already, either a dimmer or thermostat (thermostat is better) to control the heat output on your heating device. Most retail outlets which sell reptile supplies carry thermostats for this purpose.

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[Boaviking]

I never liked heat mats to be honest. I use lamps. That way instead of going through all the hassle of having to use dimmers or thermostats, you can just change to a different watt bulb to accomidate.

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[John]

Originally Posted by Boaviking

I never liked heat mats to be honest. I use lamps. That way instead of going through all the hassle of having to use dimmers or thermostats, you can just change to a different watt bulb to accomidate.

I still think it is safer to use a thermostat. If the room temperature changes (power goes out in summer or winter), the bulb output will remain the same and could either heat the cage too much or not enough.

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[project_evolution]

depends on my cages what i use. my BP's are in a rack that has a heat cord embeded in a routed out groove on the back side and sterilite tubs for cages. my boas are in visions with both a lightbulb and a heat mat. all my GTP has is a light, since he never really gets on the ground. my monitors have heat mats under their substrate drawer and an outdoor hps lamp for basking. i use the esu reptile controlers for my temps.

	Green Tree Python Green Tree Python (Morelia viridis)

	Ball Python The Ball Python (Python regius), also known as the Royal Python, is a ground dwelling snake native to the savannahs and rain forests in western Africa, predominatly the countries of Ghana, Togo, and Benin.

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[Kingy]

ive been a little worried about temps over the winter period, we get really cold round these parts and its already dropping below zero outside at night, so as a bit extra help for the viv, i took some old curtins that were lying around, folded them in half, and slid some ordinary tinfoil into them. i then wraped these round the outisde of the viv and once it was up to temp again its held it great with the heat mats inside. on a night i drop a cover over the glass front as its mainly a wooden build, and that stops any heat from escaping through the glass at night.

just remember though not to cover the vents

also, is it a wooden viv you have? if it is, the mat needs to be inside, cover it with a layer or two of newspaper then your substrate and alls good

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