UTH Thermostat probe on inside or outside of tank?

[jplehmann]

I have put my UTH thermostat on the inside of the tank on top of the glass, so it would measure the actual temp coming through. But after reading a few tutorials here, I see they both mounted thermostat on the outside. Is outside the standard practice?

I can see the advantage, because if the snake knocks off my thermostat currently, then the temp could spike. I guess I did it this way to avoid having a second thermometer.

[bcr229]

Outside, sandwiched between the UTH and the bottom of the tank. Adjust the t-stat so that an IR thermometer reads 90*F on the bottom of the tank.

If it is inside then the snake can pee on the probe or dislodge it, causing the UTH to get too hot.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Outside to prevent any cooling down due to liquid or probe being dislodge.

[Eric Alan]

Sandwiching the thermostat probe between the heat source and the glass on the outside of the tank ensures consistent temperature control. As you mentioned, if it is inside the enclosure a snake could move it, it could get wet, or any other number of things could cause inaccuracy.

It's important to remember that a thermostat is not a thermometer. One regulates a heat source, the other reads the temperatures that are being regulated. The thermometer is what then tells you to increase or decrease the set point of the thermostat based on the end result.

I recommend placing the thermostat where it will be the most effective and picking up an infrared thermometer to give you accurate temperature readings inside of your enclosure.

[Eric Alan]

Wow! Three nearly identical responses within 3 minutes. Not to pat this forum on the back, but the above simultaneous replies were both accurate and precise - go team!

[vangarret2000]

If you put it outside the tank make sure you adjust you thermostat so that the temp in the tank is proper. If the probe is set for 90 the temp in the tank might not be that from the little bit of heat transfer through the glass.

If you put it in the tank make sure it is secured so that te snake can't move it off the UTH. Also that it is secured with something that can't harm your snake.

[PitOnTheProwl]

Oitside as already mentioned.
Cleaning is a pain if its glued to the inside plus if your snake tips the water bowl its going to cool the probe