UTH Issues

[7H3LaughingMan]

I recently got myself a baby ball python and noticed one thing in particular in that the snake was constantly hiding in the hide on the hot side of the tank. He would come out ever so often for water and to explore however he never used the hide on the other side.

I felt inside the tank on the hot side and it felt warm but not hot. I got myself a digital prove thermometer and placed it under the substrate over the pad and waited an hour for it to adjust however when I can back I only got a reading of 80° F. I know this is way to low and went and grabbed another heat lamp to warm up the ambient temperature.

The pad I am using is Zoo Med Small I believe, the one marked for 10-20 Gallon Tanks. I believe something is wrong with it since I get a reading of anywhere between 75 and 85, has anyone else had issues with these? I am waiting right now since none of my pet stores have one this small and going to be returning it tomorrow.

[bcr229]

What is your thermostat for the UTH set to?

[7H3LaughingMan]

What is your thermostat for the UTH set to?

I had it set to 95, after I noticed this I set it to 100 followed by 110. After not noticing a change I just plugged it straight into an outlet with no difference.

[bcr229]

I had it set to 95, after I noticed this I set it to 100 followed by 110. After not noticing a change I just plugged it straight into an outlet with no difference.

I really hope you removed it from the tank before running that test.

[7H3LaughingMan]

I really hope you removed it from the tank before running that test.

When I was turned it up to 100 it was still in the tank, but before turning it up to 110 or running it without the thermostat I removed it and placed him in another container under a heat lamp.

Anyways does that sound like a defective heat pad and has anyone had issues with this brand?

[BiggBaddWolf]

I have never had a problem with Zoo Med UTH's....that is all I use..

[ElliotNess]

Whats the temp read directly on the heat pad itself.

[PitOnTheProwl]

Where is the probe for your thermostat mounted?
What thermometer are tou using to measure surface temps?

That being said you are doing something wrong. IF it felt warm to you then it sure was over 85 degrees and if it ever feels hot to you then its too much.
The human body is normally about 98 degrees so feel doesnt help here other than knowing its too hot.

[7H3LaughingMan]

I am using a Hydrofarm MTPRTC Digital Thermostat:cens0r:with the probe between the pad and bottom of the tank. The thermostat reads between 95 and 103 with it set on 100.

I am also using a ZooMed Probed Digital Thermometer with the probe underneath the substrate above the pad. It reads between 75 and 85.

[PitOnTheProwl]

so if the spot feels warm to you then I would try a different thermometer or a no contact would be even better.