Need advice about UTH

[khara]

I want to install a UTH for Sobe. I'm tired of the bulb lowering the humidity. My hubby brought home a Exo Terra Heat Wave 8"x8" 120 volts, 8 watts. It says safe, even heat distribution. The guys at the store said it doesn't need a thermostat but I trust you guys over them. Do I need a thermostat with this thing? I know you do with flexwatt so that's why I wonder. I just started using Aspen for substrate. I don't want Sobe in any danger. Please advise. Thanks.

[ladywhipple02]

I would recommend using either a dimmer or a thermostat on any heating device. I've been scolded enough on this subject... you always need something to control the temps.

[khara]

OK. Thanks for your reply. I've put it back into the box. Now I'm going to go and see what I can find out about dimmers and thermostats...

[ladywhipple02]

Definately check out mgreptiles.com. He's gotta lot of info about both of 'em...

[khara]

Thanks for the link. I see he also sells ExoTerra Heat Wave UTHs too. I think I'll go with a dimmer. I'm also thinking I'll need to move Sobe to a different tank when I install the UTH with the dimmer until the temps regulate. Do I put the digital thermometer probe on top of the mulch, part way in the mulch, or against the glass bottom? I guess I feel a bit nervous about using UTHs.

[ladywhipple02]

Against the glass bottom. If Sobe is anything like my snakes, he'll move the mulch aside and hit glass. Wouldn't want him to burn himself on that cause it was hot but the mulch was only warm.

[led4urhead]

Moved to the caging forum.

[khara]

Oops. I'm sorry about that. Didn't mean to post it in the wrong forum. I was thinking of it from the care and keeping aspect.