heating mats

[tsdsbd]

hi im using heating pads under one side of my tank and a blacklight style heating light 24hrs a day on the same side and the other side has no heating at all, is this ok?

idk because ive seem setups with heating pads on both sides of the tank, is that right or no? idk...

[MattU]

Just depends on what kind of temps you're getting. Do you have a thermometer on both ends?

[tsdsbd]

well ive got crap strip thermometers, soon im gunna get 2 zoo med temp and humidity gauges, any recommendations on another brand?

[MattU]

Yeah those zoomed are gauge style or whatever right? Those really are no good. Acurite makes one that a lot of people on here use me included and it's great. You can get it at lowes I know, maybe home depot and walmart too. Run you about 13 bucks

oh it does humidity too BTW

[gmcclurelssu]

The acurite ones are definantly your best bet- cheep and effective. How is your heat pad hooked up? You will want to make sure it is controlled by some kind of dimmer switch or thermostat if it isn't already.

[dapike1979]

well ive got crap strip thermometers, soon im gunna get 2 zoo med temp and humidity gauges, any recommendations on another brand?

I picked up a digital thermometer at Walmart made by National Geographic 7$ And its digital they even have wireless... Check em out I am happy eith my thermometer..
Good Luck.

[tsdsbd]

well the heating pad is just a regular zoo med heating pad i dont know how to get it hooked up to a thermostat or dimmer.

[tsdsbd]

and whats the right size heat pad for a 30 gal tank i think mines to big. but idk

[gmcclurelssu]

usually you want about 1/3 of the floor space covered, depending on room temps. My tank has a larger pad due to a wide range of temps in my room.
For thermostats and dimmers the pad should plug right into the device, then that plugs into the wall. Just remember, if you decide to go with a dimmer you have to be the one adjusting the temps all the time. They really only work well if the room temp is stable. Stepping up to a thermostat is the best option, although it costs a bit more.

[MattU]

It'll just plug into the thermostat, and you adjust it from there. You'll definitely want to do this, I would imagine the setup you've got now is too hot. I've got just a UTH, no overhead heat and it's plenty. So a digital thermometer/hygrometer and a thermostat and you'll be set