Need some help please....

[robert7107]

I got my rack unit yesterday from c serpents it's the 28 qt 3 tub unit. I put probe on foil tape in middle rack on the heat tape off to the farthest right side and my female ball python is too small for the 28qt. So I bought a 16 qt tub and put holes in the side to be breathable because tub fits tighter then the 28qt .
My questions are.

Is the the hide box to big I found my snake behind it crammed between it and the tub wall?

Is the probe correctly placed? Temperature on heat tape is 97 -95 using heat gun I have it set for 96 the actual temperature in tub is 88 and 80 on cooler side.

Is a 28qt too big and should I allow some time for her to settle in before handling and feeding?

Thanks.










http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160901/4e0e5a0738b3eae5eede6b9562c43f76.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160901/8222500979be293a4565a34ba46a813e.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160901/36b212a910a0d58ec46d4dec621251bb.jpg

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[Dbz4246]

A 28qt seems to be a good size for her.

[robert7107]

I switched her over to the 28qt. Putting two hides one on cool side and one on hot. Also repositioned probe . Getting three different temperatures though. Top shelf on hot is 89
Middle. 91
Bottom. 92 unsure why did as instructed in placing probe

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[Sonja K. Reptiles]

In my experience, foil tape on top of heat tape messes with the flow of the electricity. Try a different type of tape to hold the probe in place to see if your heating is more consistent. A wider insulated tape, for example.

[robert7107]

I uncover the tip of the probe but still have it a 2 degree variants in temperature..
Iam wondering if I can put foil tape on the plastic shelf just behind the probe leaving the probe itself on the heat tape completely uncovered?

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[Sonja K. Reptiles]

Yeah, using the foil tape to hold the cord in position would be fine, but then I'd still use some wider electrical tape to hold the probe tight against the heat tape.

[robert7107]

Won't melt the electrical tape?

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[Sonja K. Reptiles]

It's always good to double check the package of the particular kind you're using, but for example, the Scotch brand professional grade vinyl electrical tape I use is flame retardant up to 175F.

[Pasodama]

Heat tape/probe question/s seem to be answered(?). Although I will say to not place tape over top of the probe.
It is fine to use tape, on the shelf & over the wire directly behind the probe itself (or even over the the thicker back portion of probe), to hold it in place.
As far as placement, I usually place the probe on the "metallic" strip, that runs along each side of heat tape, rather than directly on the heat tape elements themselves.

To answer some other questions ...

- If the tub, in the pics, is a 16 qt., that size is good until your girl is a little bigger.

- Although snakes tend to like being "crammed" inside a hiding place, the hide, that you provided, is fine. Some balls do like to place themselves between the hide, and back of tub, no matter the size of the hide (big or small). It does provide them a sense of security, etc.

- Although some people do feed a newly arrived snake right away, I do not and have never recommended it. Always allowing a few days for the snake to settle in first.

- I also recommend allowing a newly arrived snake to settle in, at least a few days, prior to handling (usually, at least a couple days after first successful feed).

....

[robert7107]

Yes on heat tape I placed probe on side between the heat tape and rack wall where the tape comes down from tope shelf to middle using foil tape on the wire behind the probe bulb which has complete contact with tape . The temps are much closer now and I have come to the conclusion top shelf is coolest equals less substrate middle shelf warmer add more substrate and bottom is hottest add the most substrate. Instead of 2 degree difference it's only by a degree to degree and a quarter..

As for the tub I have two hide boxes one on cool and one on hot I'll see if she eats in a week or so..

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