heating up tile

[buppiboyo12]

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Hi all,

Today I introduced Alan to his new substrate: tile. Since Home Depot couldn't cut tile for me, he has 10 6x6 inch tiles in his 20 long tank. I put them in earlier today around 2pm, and my thermometer is saying that the heat mat is at 88 degrees, but in my opinion, it feels a bit too cold for him. The tiles are fairly thin, since they are on the smaller end, and I have a layer of paper towels under the tiles in order to prevent them from scratching the tank.

I am not sure what I can do to get the heat to spread. The only idea I would have is putting the heat mat at a higher temperature.

This is my first experience with tile, and previously I had paper towel. Is there any advice on how to get the heat to spread easily?

I'm labeling this as kind of urgent because I don't want him without proper heat for too long.

[acpart]

Unless you're in the southern hemisphere where it's winter, 88 is fine for the moment. If you had your heat mat off and just turned it on, give it a few days. I find that it takes the mats time to come up to full heat. It certainly doesn't hurt to turn it up a bit. Just monitor the temps in case it increases without you realizing it. I have ceramic tile in all my leo enclosures and it heats fine.

Aliza

[buppiboyo12]

Aliza,

Okay, good to know. I will turn up the temperature a couple degrees over. While I was cleaning his cage today (washing everything, etc.) I had to take the heat mat off in order to clean the thank thoroughly. I will check on it regularly to make sure it doesn't overheat. Thank you

[buppiboyo12]

Okay, so the tile is heating up a bit more after I adjusted the temperature, but I still think it has a couple of days left to fully heat up, although I can feel the gradient in his tank.

However, now Alan is staying in his cold hide and not going to any of the warm spots. Last night he was ice cold and to help him I tried to put him in one of the warm hides, where quickly after he went back to his cold hide. I also tried it a couple hours ago, and he went in the hide but just like before, he soon went back to his cold hide.

He's had the cold hide since he was younger, so I thought maybe its like a security thing (and its where he poops) and the other stuff came shortly after, but he hasn't acted like this before. I'm wondering if he's confused about the tile since he's only ever been on paper towel, but I thought he would've adjusted overnight.

I cleaned everything with dawn dish soap, sprayed the decor with vinegar and made sure everything was rinsed (and dried) thoroughly, so I'm positive that he hasn't been affected by that

I'm wondering if anyone has any advice because I'm leaving for the week on Friday and I want to make sure he's okay since someone else will be watching him.

Please Help!

[buppiboyo12]

UPDATE: it seems as though Alan is beginning to adjust and is now hanging out in his usual spot where he hangs out at night. Sometimes I get obsessive

I guess this ends this thread? Thanks

[acpart]

Glad things are starting to work out! Enjoy your vacation.

Aliza

[Elizabeth Freer]

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Every time something new is added, leos readjust. Perhaps Alan was just checking out the tile in his cool hide -- ya know -- like whether it would be suitable for pooping.

I recommend writing down exactly what you expect Alan's sitter to do. That helps people who are not accustomed to caring for leos.

Have a good time!