Thermostat questions.

[Hammer2576]

So I finally got a thermostat and it seems to be a little bit off. It's reading at 89.6 right now and my thermometer is reading at 86.7. I'm not sure which one is correct? I'm thinking the thermometer is to be honest. But I do like the thermostat because it regulates the heating pad. I set the high to 93 and it's supposed to turn off when it gets there and turn back on when it gets 2 degrees lower than that.

[mackynz]

Are both probes in the same spot? Why kind of thermostat is it? I would tend to trust the thermostat more, but if it's a cheap one, maybe not.

[Hammer2576]

Yes they are pretty much right beside each other a little under the hot side hide. And it's a hydrofarm thermostat.

[West Coast Jungle]

What are you using as a heat source, I have seen heat pads vary a few degrees from one spot to another. I would get another digital thermometer and see which one it is closest two and use that as my reference. At the end of the day 2 degrees isn't that bad. I would shoot for around 90 and if its actually 88 or 92 it wont really hurt. Mother nature isn't that consistent

[Hammer2576]

In using an uth and I have the probes right below where my snake lays at in his hide. I have the thermostat set for 93 as the high temp. It's at 92.4 right now and my thermometer is reading 88.3.

[KMG]

The best way to set it up is to have the tstat probe outside the cage, stuck on top of the uth under the cage. That way it can not be moved by the snake causing your tstat to run away and burn your snake.

You can still keep the thermometer probe inside to monitor the hotspot because it does not matter if it gets moved.

Either or even both devices could be a little off. I had a hydrpfarm once and it never seemed to Agree with my thermometers. It also died after a few months. I was lucky when it started going out and only sending half power to the uth and the display was flashing crazy. Watch it close.

My thought is how you attached the tstat probe. If the probe itself is covered it could be insulated and holding heat. You need to have the probe body uncovered. Place tape on the wire just behind the probe to avoid trapping heat at the probe.

[Hammer2576]

Thanks man. I'll move the tstat probe tomorrow when I get him out to feed. So should I tape it to the uth?? Yeah it seems to be about 3 degrees off each other.

[KMG]

You can tape it to the uth but only tape the wire coming out of the probe, not the probe end itself.

You don't need to move it to feed. It does not cause aggression in snake to feed in their cage and can really become a hassle when you have several to feed.

[Hammer2576]

Ok thanks man! I really appreciate your feedback! Hopefully he eats this time!! He didn't seem interested last time. I've been instructed to do the brown paper bag trick this time.

[KMG]

Oh, I see.

Good luck!