Quote Originally Posted by Foxrun402 View Post
I got a digital thermometer because these analog ones don't tell me enough...

I set it up on the hot side and left it there for an hour reading... 92.3F
I then tested the cool side of the tank for an hour... 76.4F
Then I finally (dunno why) tested water temperature... 71.2F

My question is this... Is it a bad thing that the hot side reaches temperatures around 93? The cool side remains around 76 while the warm side is a 92... but is this too hot? Is it time to downgrade from 60w to 50w? Or does this really matter as long as she can escape the heat?

Thanks
Overall, I'd say your tank is too darn warm. Around 90 isn't so bad for a basking spot. My concinnus' spend considerable time basking at 90. However, the cool end is around 74 max. In other words, 90 is OK but only if you can manage most of the tank being in the low 70's. I think you need to step down those temperatures. Low 80's for the warm spot is fine.

Maybe you need a longer/bigger tank. You're not getting a very wide gradient. Also you want to use a domed fixture and a reflecting bulb. You want the basking area to be highly localized, (focused) especially if it's hot, like 90 degrees. 90 is certainly not necessary though. 82-86 is fine for the warm spot. Also a good idea to turn off all heat at night. 60-70 for at least 8 hours at night is what I do.

Constant warmth, especially as high as you had it, can actually contribute to causing RI's. Better to underheat them a bit, than to constantly overheat them, even if the overheating is only by a few degrees. If your snake is hiding all day and only coming out at night or evening, you're probably keeping it too warm.