Problem with Thermostat

[Booper]

Hi all,
So recently I said that I'd never had a problem with the set up of my heat mat and thermostat... What a stupid thing to say because now I have a problem! For some reason, the only temps I can get my mat to sit at are 29°C and 36°C, which is obviously not good. I'm not quite sure why it's doing it, or how to fix it. It seems even if I move the stat even a tiny bit it suddenly shoots up from 29-36. Obviously at the moment I have it turned down so not to burn her (And I've checked her belly and she's fine).

Here's the thermostat we have. It's a Microclimate ministat 300 (We're from the UK):


Here's the mat set up. The termostat probe is under the tack (It's non-toxic and fine for snakes) and next to it is a thermometer probe.


And here is a close up of the probes.The blue residue is more tack:



What should I do? Should I just go and buy a more expensive thermostat? We've had this one since we got Wanda (so since September) and it's been no problem but for some reason suddenly it's a problem. Does the stat probe need to move? I have been told that it should go outside the tank, but that was aimed at glass bottomed or plastic tubs, and ours is wooden so I'm confused about it? Please help!

[PitOnTheProwl]

Yeah none of that should be in the enclosure. Probe might be damaged from fluids......

[Booper]

Where should I put it then?

[skiajl6297]

I am sure a dozen responses are inbound, but no heating element INSIDE cage, probe shouldnt be inside cage, should be sandwiched between the heating element and the outside wall of the tank. Also, no glue or tape inside tank. Please read caresheets!

[Booper]

I am sure a dozen responses are inbound, but no heating element INSIDE cage, probe shouldnt be inside cage, should be sandwiched between the heating element and the outside wall of the tank. Also, no glue or tape inside tank. Please read caresheets!

I have read the caresheets thank you, and I have done research into TACK which is fine inside of cages. If the heating element and probes should be OUTSIDE, where should I put it?? I've asked this now three times and would really appreciate being told how I should fix it instead of just being told it's wrong and to take it out.

[skiajl6297]

Sorry I should have said, read and then follow the caresheets. For an illustration please see post #2 here:
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...247796-Heating

[skiajl6297]

In addition there are some great stickies under the husbandry section.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-With-Pictures!

[PitOnTheProwl]

You have a wooden enclosure as you have already stated.
You pretty much left the only choice to trash the heat mat and go with a radient heat panel....

[BPGator]

You have a wooden enclosure as you have already stated.
You pretty much left the only choice to trash the heat mat and go with a radient heat panel....

Pit - I assume you're saying that since it would be difficult to get the heat through the wood if the UTH is properly placed on the outside? I imagine the UTH would have to be at a temp that exceeds what it's rated for.


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[Booper]

Sorry I should have said, read and then follow the caresheets. For an illustration please see post #2 here:
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...247796-Heating

Thank for taking the time to link this, but it dosen't help as I have a wooden floor in my viv which would not let though enough heat.