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Silas
Snake Mite

United Kingdom
18 Posts

Posted - 24/08/2010 :  01:26:17  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Currently I have Silas (albino Cali King) in a 2'x1.5'x1.5' wooden viv, I'm going to be moving him into a larger one asap. I was thinking of getting a 4'x2'x2' but most viv's i've seen are 4'x18"x18" would a 4'x2'x2' be too big?

Also, I'm concerned about maintaining night-time temps. I have him on Aspen with a Heat-mat under that substrate and a 5w energy saving bulb on during the day.
A digital thermometer probe on the heat mate usually reads around 85 degrees during the day, and a zoo-med high-range thermometer strip stuck to the back of the viv at the cool end usually reads around 78 degrees. It's the airtemp of the cool end that drops at night, sometimes when i'm going to bed it's dropped to around 72 degrees and I worry that it will get too low.

Do any of you have any tips for maintaining temps at night?

Thanks in advance for any help.

headlow
Hatchling

United Kingdom
233 Posts

Posted - 24/08/2010 :  11:50:08  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
To be honest 72 isn't too bad, though you wouldn't want it dropping much lower. If it gets really cold you could put another heat mat in the cold end and set it for the mid 70's.

1.0.0 Mexican Milk
0.0.1 Mexi Black
0.0.3 Corns
0.1.0 Western Hognose
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Silas
Snake Mite

United Kingdom
18 Posts

Posted - 25/08/2010 :  12:15:13  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I can't believe I didnt think of that, such a simple solution. Thank you.
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headlow
Hatchling

United Kingdom
233 Posts

Posted - 29/08/2010 :  11:19:35  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
No probs. On the viv size question I think you could probably go for a 3'x18''x18''. That should do the snake it's whole life, unless he gets really big.

1.0.0 Mexican Milk
0.0.1 Mexi Black
0.0.3 Corns
0.1.0 Western Hognose
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lee2308
Kingsnake Forum Admin

United Kingdom
1609 Posts

Posted - 29/08/2010 :  14:11:34  Show Profile  Click to see lee2308's MSN Messenger address  Reply with Quote
i just leave my cool ends at room temp,if their cold they will move,a 4x18"x18" will be fine

1.0 dumeril boa,0.1 bci boa,1.0 royal python,1.0 mbk kingsnake,1.0corn,1.2 chinese water dragon,0.0.1 bearded dragon

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Triangulum
Moderator

United Kingdom
569 Posts

Posted - 29/08/2010 :  18:44:35  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I'm the same, And I Use 36x18x6" Tubs.

Scott

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KevA
Snake Mite

United Kingdom
7 Posts

Posted - 29/09/2010 :  20:50:46  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I have an MBK in a 4 x 2 x 18 and he's fine, I use a heat mat with a red bulb on a day/night microclimate B1me stat, it just keeps the background temp and decor temp steady and the magic eye on the stat reduces the temp at night so he has the gradient with a hot spot and I can sleep easy
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Silas
Snake Mite

United Kingdom
18 Posts

Posted - 30/09/2010 :  01:29:53  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Thanks for all the responses guys. I got a good deal on a viv so went ahead and got the 4x2x2 which will hopefully be set up this weekend, I've got the mats and the stats and have heard that a blue bulb can be good for use at night so i'm gonna give that a try.
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james
Snake Mite

United Kingdom
18 Posts

Posted - 23/10/2010 :  16:57:42  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I have been without internet access since July so it is good to be back. Following on from the comments made I am a bit confused?

I am thinking of moving my 2ft Florida King (10 months old) to a 3 ft viv. However, the care sheet indicates that I should be fine with just a heat mat, but some comments on this forum indicate that I also need a heat lamp as well? My pet shop has also advised me to use a lamp in addition to the heat mat for the new viv?

I am happy to use a heat lamp as well, but do not want to get a lamp if not required?

Is it fine just to have a large heat mat in the bigger viv (1/3 of viv)?
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bluerain
Hatchling

United Kingdom
270 Posts

Posted - 24/10/2010 :  10:16:43  Show Profile  Click to see bluerain's MSN Messenger address  Reply with Quote
Well im no expert, but i have found most Kings and Milks dont really like bright light, so id say you would be ok with the bigger mat. Long as it only covers bout one third of your floor space.

Lots of Milks!! Few Royals, corns, Rosie Boas and Childrens Pythons. One Bci, and one Irian Jaya Carpet!
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