thermostat problems

[Laxhitman316]

I have been using a herpstat 2 thermostat for about 2 months now and recently it has been acting funny i have the temp set at 87 now because apparently according to my acurite and another digital probe thermometer the temp in the tank is actually 97 . I have the thermostat outside of the tank as well taped to the uth with electrical tape... What could be my problem? my thermostat worked fine until i taped it to the bottom of the uth

[Action Reptiles]

Ok a couple of questions. Is your thermo probe taped to the bottom of tank over the UTH? Or is it actually taped to the UTH? Also do you have a Temperature gun or just the Acurite thermometer you using to read the temps? It can be one of 2 things: 1) your probe is not in the optimal spot which is throwing off your temps or 2) the thermometer you are using is inacurate. I use herpstates on all my cages and the #1 reason I find when my temps are off is due to the prob getting moved and not setting the correct temp. If your not using a temp gun I would highly reccomend one as they are the most acurate. I have used the acurites as well and for the most part they are very good but they can go out of wack and be incorrect as well...

[SlitherinSisters]

Hmmm I really don't think you acurite and digital prob would both be 10 degrees off. I'm thinking there is issues with your thermostat. Make sure your prob is totally connected with the heat pad, you might have to turn it on another side if it's not completely round.

[Laxhitman316]

Im using a acurite and a zoomed digital thermometer both saying nine to ten degrees higher then the herpstat and the herpstat probe is taped. Under the probe which is outside the tank

[RichsBallPythons]

need to buy IR temp gun to be sure its one or the other.

[Laxhitman316]

any tips on a good cheap temp gun?

[BuckeyeBalls]

http://www.reptilebasics.com/thermometers/

[Adam Chandler]

I bought my PE-1 from Pro-Exotics http://www.tempgun.com/main.html
Been using it for over a year now, works good, no problems.

I've also heard Rich over at ReptileBasics.com has good IR temp guns: http://www.reptilebasics.com/thermometers/

[Laxhitman316]

so once i get the temp gun and if the temps are still what my thermometers are saying then what should i do ?

[Vypyrz]

I have been using a herpstat 2 thermostat for about 2 months now and recently it has been acting funny i have the temp set at 87 now because apparently according to my acurite and another digital probe thermometer the temp in the tank is actually 97 . I have the thermostat outside of the tank as well taped to the uth with electrical tape... What could be my problem? my thermostat worked fine until i taped it to the bottom of the uth

That right there is probably where your problem is. If the probe is taped to the bottom of the UTH and it isn't insulated, then your heat is rising up in to the tank, as usual, but your probe is registering the cooler bottom side where the ventilation is. Try taping the thermostat probe BETWEEN the UTH and enclosure. Then it will be where the heat is rising on top of the UTH...