basking risks

[EasternGirl]

I don't know...I used to keep my temps cooler and then when Cee Cee got sick, I started making them higher. I also started reading about temps and asking people what range they keep there temps at on warm and cool sides. It does depend on the species and the particular snake...but I think my snakes are happier and more active since I have been keeping the temps warmer in the enclosures. Mind you, they always have a gradient, so that they can go to the cool side...and I always have the thermostats set to kick the heat off if it goes above 90. But I find that they all seem to like it around 82 on the warm side during the day...the basking temp may be a bit warmer...but not over 90. Seeley even likes it warm at night...he likes to bask under the night lamp. Hermes also likes to come out and bask at night. Cee Cee goes to the cool side at night. Cee Cee and Seeley are very smart...if they get too warm, they go away from the warm side and into the middle of the tank or to the cool side. Hermes...I worry about a bit more, because he is so young. I don't use his heat pad much. I am afraid he might burrow down next to it...so I just use his lamp most of the time. The last couple of nights that it has been really cold, I added an extra lamp with a very low 25 watt black light bulb next to his red bulb...but he also has a thermostat set to kick off at 90.

[EasternGirl]

I would be a bit concerned about that tank with the tropical heat settings. It may be too much for a garter...especially Hydra, since she tends to like it cool. Unless there is some way you can manipulate it so that you can change the settings on it...

[guidofatherof5]

I personally wouldn't keep a garter at 90, unless it was sick or had a health problem. I try to keep my tanks warm side at 75, and cool at 65-70 when it's possible.

Seems like your high temp isn't high enough for proper thermo-regulating.
Your cool temp is fine but I think you should up the warm side.
The higher temp will aid in digestion and also keep the immune system more active.
Just my opinion.

[EasternGirl]

I have to agree with Steve on that.

[aquamentus_11]

yeah, i can manipulate the heat panel easily. the problem is i don't know how to correctly calibrate things because radiant heat does not equal ambient temp.

[guidofatherof5]

Sorry, can't help you with that.

[EasternGirl]

Go on ssnakess.com They have lots of different forums for all different kinds of snakes...and you can just post general questions too in the general discussions forum. I'm sure members on there have experience with that type of enclosure and someone should be able to tell you what you need to know. You need to register, but it only takes a minute...the forum is run by the same guy that runs this forum, Jason (Boots). Wayne (Infernalis) may be able to help too. You could shoot him a PM.

sSnakeSs.com

[aquamentus_11]

ok, thanks.

[aquamentus_11]

got it solved thanks to infernalis. the answer was right here the whole time. ordered a temp gun and will just measure the young lady with it. i can also use ambient temp after things equilibrate in the cage, it's just in the beginning that the snake can be actually more radiated than the air lets on. thanks guys.

[guidofatherof5]

Nice job Wayne.