Heat lamp gotng on and off constantly

[Repto]

Ive set up a new enclosure for a hatchling Diamond python, ive got a heat Glo heat lamp on a thermastat set at 26deg. Its readings are 29deg directly under the lamp and 23deg at cool end, still trying to work out right heat ranges before I get the little fella. Being more cool blooded does this temp range seem OK? Also the heat lamp switches on and off every probably 4-5mins, is this a norm? I realise its trying to keep the correct temp but does the constant switching annoy the snake? The tank is a Reptapets 2 foot and due to not been real long I find it hard to get any more range in temp. Ive got a branch going up towards the lamp, a rock beneath, hide on the cool end as well as water and newspaper floor. I want to be sure its all right before I bring the snake home so if anyone could let me know if this set up sounds right that'll save me the heartake of going through any trouble from set up problems
Cheers

 

[user 16446]

As long as the heat lamp is a red one it will be ok. Apparently they cannot see red light, so it wouldn't see it turning on and off.

 

[Repto]

do yo think its normal to be going on any off this frequently? It is right next to a window, maybe cooling down too quick?????

 

[user 16446]

I've got one that goes on and off now and then, but you can adjust it by moving the probe further away from the heat source. That way the light will stay on longer, until the temperature at the probe is reached.

The same effect is possible by increasing the temperature setting on the thermostat. Another point is 'on/off' thermostats can shorten the life of globes, specially at that rate. Dimming thermostats are better for globes.

 

[junglepython2]

Drop the wattage of the lamp, on and off every 5mins will kill the globe.

 

[toddy1964]

hi there
you could try downing the bulb wattage, it should stay on longer and the bulb will last longer. You would want the light on a bit more to allow the snake to bask.

 

[SlothHead]

where do you live?
Cheers
Dustin

 

[Repto]

Ill check at the shop if they have lower watage globes cheers

i live in corlette, port stephens

 

[SlothHead]

Not sure if you are refering to a glass tank or wood,
If not glass get glass, if it is glass, then just use a very low wattage bulb and get rid of the thermostat.

Your natural ambient temps at Port Stephens suit the natural temp range of the animal, so you only need a very slight basking area since obviously it cant directly bask and the rest of the enclosure should be room temp. And certainly no heat at night .

 

[Repto]

Thanks mate, i did think it was a bit strange to heat the snake above what is used to been in in its own environment what sort of watage do you think would be suitable and how many hours should it be on during the day?

 

[SlothHead]

Summer photoperiod of 12-14 hrs
Winter photo period 8-10hrs
No heat during winter at all and basking temp will depend on enclosure size. Ideally having a basking point of up to 36 in the summer. But this is really only achievable in reasonable size enclosures, and especially without wood, other wise you over heat the rest of hte enclosure.

Cheers
Dustin

 

[Repto]

Summer photoperiod of 12-14 hrs
Winter photo period 8-10hrs
No heat during winter at all and basking temp will depend on enclosure size. Ideally having a basking point of up to 36 in the summer. But this is really only achievable in reasonable size enclosures, and especially without wood, other wise you over heat the rest of hte enclosure.

Cheers
Dustin

I changed the heat lamp to a 60watt today, it has been on constantly for the last 2hrs sitting at just below the thermo setting at 27,4deg under lamp and 20.4 at cool end (temps are set mainly to test the globe out), when you say photo period do you mean UV? Also should I have a basking light in there as well? The rock under the heat lamp doesnt seem to be even warm from the heat globe! My hot end probe is sitting about 150mm from globe and the cool next to hide!! It is a very cool night though and been near a window could be why the heat lamp is just getting to temp?!

Cheers

 

[SlothHead]

Photo period refers to the amount of time that you have a "daylight" source on for. If you want to use a UVB tube then so be it.

It is a bit hard to give you further specific advice without specifically knowing the enclosure and materials and the thermostat you are refering to, if you can take a ic that would be good.

Cheers
DUstin