Heat probe questions

[jack jones]

So when I set up my 20 gallon as a first timer I adhered to the setup on this forum's sticky. Consequently there is a probe that comes from the thermostat and is stuck between the heat mat and the underside of the tank. There is also a probe that comes out of the thermometer in the tank and is taped down on top of the heat mat inside, covered by substrate.

As I set the new tank up, I'm wondering if I really need both probes. I'm sure I need the thermostat one to regulate the heat mat, but couldn't I simply put that probe inside the tank and have that be the source of the temperature under the substrate for the warm side? Then just have the other thermometer's probe tied back and unused?

Anyone want to shed light on this so that I can build a more optimal setup?

[Eric Alan]

The reason the thermostat probe is on the outside is so things like spilled water, snake pee, snake poop, or the snakes themselves don't mess with the probe and cause innacurate readings to be sent the thermostat and crank the heat mat up to run wide open as a result.

A big concern of mine is the tape on the inside of the enclosure. Tape is crazy dangerous for snakes and I'd remove it ASAP before a vet needs to.

Other than that, it sounds like you've done your homework - nice!

[distaff]

It is all very confusing at first, but eventually it all makes perfect sense.