Uth probe placement

[imitha]

When using an under tank heater where should I place the probe of the thermostat? On the bottom or top of the substrate

[Eric Alan]

When using an under tank heater where should I place the probe of the thermostat? On the bottom or top of the substrate

Neither. It should be on the outside of the enclosure sandwiched between the UTH and the bottom.

If you've already stuck the UTH to the bottom, you can use tape to secure the probe flush against the under side of the UTH.

Placing the probe in this way keeps it out of "the elements" so it can do its job properly and keep your animals safe.

[imitha]

Neither. It should be on the outside of the enclosure sandwiched between the UTH and the bottom.

If you've already stuck the UTH to the bottom, you can use tape to secure the probe flush against the under side of the UTH.

Placing the probe in this way keeps it out of "the elements" so it can do its job properly and keep your animals safe.

But wouldn't that make the top of the substrate quite cool?

[Eric Alan]

But wouldn't that make the top of the substrate quite cool?

What you want to do is make sure the floor (the actual bottom - under the substrate) is at about 90°. You set the thermostat accordingly in order to reach that temperature - might have to be a degree or two warmer to make up for the glass.

Then, you put only a thin layer of substrate on top of where the UTH is. That way when (not if) your BP decides to dig around and redecorate, you know that it can't possibly reach a place that will be too hot to burn it if it decides to lay there.

Does that make sense? If not, please feel free to ask. A properly controlled heat source is one of the most (if not THE most) critical things that you will do for your BP.

[imitha]

What you want to do is make sure the floor (the actual bottom - under the substrate) is at about 90°. You set the thermostat accordingly in order to reach that temperature - might have to be a degree or two warmer to make up for the glass.

Then, you put only a thin layer of substrate on top of where the UTH is. That way when (not if) your BP decides to dig around and redecorate, you know that it can't possibly reach a place that will be too hot to burn it if it decides to lay there.

Does that make sense? If not, please feel free to ask. A properly controlled heat source is one of the most (if not THE most) critical things that you will do for your BP.

Yup that sounds good. And does this apply toward all types of snakes for example my corn. I currently have his probe on the bottom of the substrate should I move it to in-between the mat and glass?

[Eric Alan]

Yup that sounds good. And does this apply toward all types of snakes for example my corn. I currently have his probe on the bottom of the substrate should I move it to in-between the mat and glass?

I would. It takes "the elements" out of the equation and simplifies things. "The elements" could be anything - snake urine, spilled water, snake moving the probe, whatever. Any one of those things will lead to a probe not being able to report a reliable temperature to your thermostat.

To be clear, thermometer probes are a different story entirely. You want them to be on the inside where you want the temp measured - typically under the substrate and above the UTH.

[imitha]

I would. It takes "the elements" out of the equation and simplifies things. "The elements" could be anything - snake urine, spilled water, snake moving the probe, whatever. Any one of those things will lead to a probe not being able to report a reliable temperature to your thermostat.

To be clear, thermometer probes are a different story entirely. You want them to be on the inside where you want the temp measured - typically under the substrate and above the UTH.

Alright got it thanks so much! Glad I got this cleared up before something happened!

[Eric Alan]

Alright got it thanks so much! Glad I got this cleared up before something happened!

You're very welcome! I'm always glad to help.

[The Golem]

Here's how mine looks under the tank:

[Eric Alan]

Here's how mine looks under the tank:

It looks like the probe is taped to the glass and the UTH is on the other side of the glass. Is your UTH inside of the tank?

Is it just me, or is that how yours is set up?