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Originally posted by tigerlily

Hi there i have a corn snake and just bought a wooden viv. I have a few questions to ask so i have numbered them to make them easier to answer. I appreciate all the help i can get.

1. I have a heat mat and was wondering how to ensure it is stuck down? What do i use? Any brands of any sealant or anything? I was worried incase i got something that could cause harm to the snake.
You don't HAVE to stick it down, I stuck mine down with sealant, some people cover their heat mat with a lino tile, I think it is, someone will have to confirm that one. And some people just use heavy decoration or hides.

2. What can i use to cover the heat mat to ensure he doesn't get burned?
Well you will/should have some sort of substrate, I use Hemp bedding, but again some people use paper towels, wood chip, but as long as the temperature is correct (27-29c) then that is the optimu, temperature anyway, and if you have a particulate substrate, chances are snakey will burrow to get closer to it if need be anyway.

3. What do i use to ensure the probe and thermometer sensor stays in place?
Again, different methods, mine is held in place by hides, some people silicone them. If it is held in place bya hide or something just make sure it is one of your daily checks to makes sure it is still resting on the heat mat.
4. Do i place the probe and thermometer under or over the covering of the heat mat if i have to use this?
If your mat is covered so that snakey can't get under the covering then put the probe on topbut as close to the heat mat as possible. As I have hemp, and a think layer on the warm side I place the probes directly on top of the heat mat.
5. Is it neccessary to have a cover on the heat mat?
NO, but if it is covered, i.e; Lino, then snakey can poo on that instead of on the heat mat
6. Do i still need a bulb whilst i have the heat mat?
No, most people who have bulbs as well just to enhance their viewing, if you get one then make it a red one as they are supposed to cause less or no stress as they can't see that part of the light spectrum... apparently.
7. Can i still use a low watt bulb on the cold side when the temp drops below 19 / 20 degrees?
You can use any methods you like that is safe for the snake, some people use blankets and wrap them around the viv or under it. I think Hillzi has a Viv on top of a blanket as it is on a tiled floor, I think that's what he said anyway. BUT, saying all that, you shouldn't really need it unless you're in a supa dupa cold storage area or something. If your hot end is warm enough then snakey will just thermo regulate as and when necessary

8. Do they need a large bowl of water to bathe in? As a friend of mine advised not to as ths can cause humidity due to the evaporation caused by the heat.
Open to debate, their water bowl is supposed to be big enough to contain the snake when coiled up, this does help with shedding. Some people put an extra water bowl in if their snake has problems shedding, or they might move the water bowl over to the warm end to aid in shedding.

Thank you for your time and help :) I'm glad i found this site xx

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