Basking light?

[J@50n]

Hello everyone, I am going to Petsmart tomorrow and am wondering what I should look for? I need a basking light for sure. What kind of bulb so I need for it?

Also, is there anything else I will need to get? Thermometer? Humidity detector? Anything of that nature?

[RedSidedSPR]

Thermometer and hydrometer (humidity gauge) is a must. I use a normal 60 wat bulb.

[kibakiba]

Just get a low watt repti-sun bulb or something for basking. You don't need a high wattage one, because they're pretty hot when you pass 30 watts.

[d_virginiana]

A thermometer is always good to have, just to make sure your snake isn't getting too hot or cold. Just a tip; you can find very similar tankside thermometers for less than a dollar at WalMart to the ones that cost about six dollars at the pet store

Where I live the temps and humidity inside are fine, so I've never used a lamp or had to worry about misting them..

[RedSidedSPR]

I stay away from any reptile bulbs from pet stores. They get too hot, and are over priced. The one advantage is the fixed line... that can be fixed with a normal bulb, tilting the lamp at an angle and stuff, cause you don't want to heat up the whole cage. Your choice.

[J@50n]

Thermometer and hydrometer (humidity gauge) is a must. I use a normal 60 wat bulb.

I have a electronic home one the room my snake is in (my bedroom). That has temp and humidity. Would that be okay to use instead of having on in the tank? Because wouldn't the humidity of the room be the same as the tank?

Also, why should we keep track of the humidity? What is good humidity for these snakes?

[d_virginiana]

idk about the humidity, but you'd need a thermometer in the tank if you're using a basking light. It can be dangerous if they get too hot, so you need to monitor that.

If the humidity is too low, they can have problems shedding, especially babies.

[J@50n]

idk about the humidity, but you'd need a thermometer in the tank if you're using a basking light. It can be dangerous if they get too hot, so you need to monitor that.

If the humidity is too low, they can have problems shedding, especially babies.

Whats a good hot temp, and a good cold side temp?

And how would you go after changing humidity in a snake's tank? Misting?

[Didymus20X6]

They tell me around 75f for the cool side and about 85f for the warm side. But I keep my snakes in an non-air-conditioned room, so I'm pretty sure my temps are a bit warmer than that. But I do have a nice big water section for them to bathe in.

[infernalis]

Dollar tree sells sunbeam 45 watt reflector bulbs for a buck.... perfect garter lights.