Help? I cant get the cage to the right temperature >.<

[IzzyLizard]

I have the 2 lights and stuff but my cage is only at 80 degrees and I keep reading that it should be warmer but I cant figure out how to make it warmer? And Izzy hasnt been eating all her crickets, should I be worried? Could the temperature have something to do with it, or is her appetite just decreasing? Guys Im new at this >.<

Also someone said she could be going into brumation but she's only 5 months old? I read that they dont do that until theyre older?

 

[Shortyhayle]

What sort of lighting have you got?

 

[AHBD]

If you are using a black light fixture, get yourself an aluminum one , from Home Depot, Lowe's, Agway, Tractor Supply or Walmart. The aluminum ones throw more heat. You can also cover the tank [ but not the light ] with a blanket .

 

[Erok000]

you can get a bigger light. Are you using a regular household bulb? Try using a halogen spotlight/floodlight, they put off alot of heat! Im also new but thats what I would try :study:

 

[IzzyLizard]

I've got a zilla incandescent spot and a reptisun 10.0 I think,

 

[snazzyglasses]

Sorry if someone has already mentioned this, but what are you using to measure your temps? A temp. gun or digital thermometer w/ probe is the best, because those little dials and stick-on things can be off by as much as 20*F
You can also try raising up the basking spot or lowering the basking light. Even a few inches can make a pretty big difference. Good luck!!!

 

[vampy]

The temperature being that low is almost certainly why she isn't eating. They need at least 95 degrees to digest their food properly, and babies prefer to be about 105-110.

What sort of thermometer are you using? If you're using those little dial ones, they can be really inaccurate, I'd suggest you get a digital one with a probe, they aren't that expensive, and are a lot more accurate. If you get one that measures 2 sets of temps at once you can put the main body of it in the cool end to measure there, and the probe on the basking spot to measure that.

If you're not getting high enough temps just in the basking spot, you can lower the light, raise the basking area, or get a hood that reflects better. If your entire tank is too cold you can insulate it (if it's glass, it'll lose a lot more heat than a wooden viv), get a higher wattage basking bulb, add an extra bulb, or get a hood for the light.

Brumation at 5 months would be very unlikely, unless she is absolutely huge...it's much more likely that it's just not warm enough for her.

 

[IzzyLizard]

I do have one of the little dial thermometers, Ill get a different one, thank you so much. And an aluminum bulb thing? and adjust the basking spot too. You guys are a lot of help, thank you so much! Ill post back on here and tell you if it works <3

 

[Drache613]

Moved from Health to Enclosures

 

[snazzyglasses]

I do have one of the little dial thermometers, Ill get a different one, thank you so much. And an aluminum bulb thing? and adjust the basking spot too. You guys are a lot of help, thank you so much! Ill post back on here and tell you if it works <3

Yay! I'm glad we could help!