Soon to be owner - tank setup / heating setup questions

[wny_luke]

Hello,

My first post here on the boards, though I've been reading them heavily over the last week or so as I prepare for my first BP.

Before I hop into my question, here is my planned setup:
Enclosure:_____20G L glass critter cage
Heat:_________2 x UTH - Flexwatt (1 warm side & 1 cold side)
Heat Control:__Thermostat - Herpstat 2
Monitor temp:__2 digital accurite w/ probe AND temp gun
Substrate:_____cypress mulch
Hides:_________identical hides from reptile basics

My question is mainly on thermostat and thermometer probe placement and method. There seem to be 2 setups that are regularly suggested -

1) thermostat probe on UTH and thermometer probe on glass above UTH
2) thermostat probe on glass above UTH and thermometer probe on UTH or glass

Any distinct pros and cons to these setups? And how do people attach probes inside the tank without using tape as I've read several posts where tape is discouraged.

My initial instinct is to tape the thermostat probe directly on the glass over the UTH to get the most accurate reading but some folks discourage that approach.

Also, can anyone confirm if 94 is the hottest any point on the hot side should get? I'm thinking if the glass stays around 92-94, the temps on top of the substrate should be around 90 if I adjust the substrate thickness appropriately.

Thanks in advance.


Also - thanks to those board members who have already answered some questions I had through PM. Everyone has been very friendly and helpful.

[Skittles1101]

The thermostat probe HAS to be taped directly onto the UTH to work correctly. A digital thermometer can go above the glass....but don't be mistaken, the thermostat probe goes DIRECTLY onto the UTH...

Also, do NOT put any kind of tape inside the enclosure. Ever.

My experience, my herpstat is set at 92, but it can vary depending on where you live.

[wny_luke]

Can I ask what the risks are of putting the thermostat probe in the tank or tape inside the tank? I'm not trying to challenge your guidance - I'm just looking to understand why they are wrong.

Thanks

[Skittles1101]

Because the thermostat's job is to regulate the hottest your UTH will get. If you put it above the glass it is not measuring the UTH it's measuing above the glass....not to mention if you put it above the glass it can easily slip out of place and fry your snake.

No tape inside the tank because your snake WILL find a way to get stuck to it and can get seriously injured. It's not worth the risk.

[Powerspythons]

I've put thermostat probes inside the tank before and it doesn't cause any problems for me. I have it kept in place using a hot glue gun, so it doesn't need to use tape.

Personally I would just avoid tanks altogether though because of their lack of an ability to hold humidity.

[Adam Chandler]

First off, kudos for doing your research and preparing in advance for the arrival of your BP.

1) thermostat probe on UTH and thermometer probe on glass above UTH

This is what I would recommend. As you said you don't want to tape anything inside your enclosure.
I'd say 92-93 is highest you want your UTH to get. Remember, odds are your BP will push away the substrate and lay directly on the glass.

[Adam Chandler]

Also, if you want some information on a tub setup I'd recommend checking out this thread:http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...my-Ball-Python It explains the way to setup a tub to be a great BP enclosure.

[wny_luke]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions.

I had considered going with a tub but the idea didn't go over well with the family (kids). I'm not planning to breed or adopt any more snakes in the foreseeable future so I'll stick with the glass tank for now. <as I look over at the empty glass tank sitting next to me >

Based on everyones feedback, I'm planning to put the thermostat probes on the UTH and bury the thermometer probes under the substrate against the glass and just check that they haven't been displaced every once a while.

Thanks again. I'm sure I'll be posting back with more questions or may solicit some feedback once my enclosure is complete.

[snakesRkewl]

Based on everyones feedback, I'm planning to put the thermostat probes on the UTH and bury the thermometer probes under the substrate against the glass and just check that they haven't been displaced every once a while.

Good choice, thermostat probes should NEVER go inside the tank it's just too risky no matter how you hold it down.

With on/off thermostats I set the low point around 92 and when the t-stat kicks on it will go up to 95-97 for a few moments then drop back down to 92 before it kicks on and repeats the process.
I have never had a burn or any issue with these temperatures, just happy well eating snakes that love their hot spots.