Should I Get a Bigger UTH?

[Sarin]

I bought the Zoo-Med 10-20 Gallon UTH for my 20 Gallon Long. It seems kind of small but I thought I'd ask before changing anything. Here are a couple of pictures for size reference:





Should I stick to this or go for the Zoo-Med 30-40 Gallon UTH? The ambient temperature in the room where it'll be ranges from 69-73 F Degrees without the UTH on.

[Jenn]

The size of your UTH will depend on what you are getting for readings (warm side, cool side, ambient). The factors that are working together here are insulation (or lack thereof) on the tank, UTH size, and room temp. If you cant get the temps where they need to be, I would go with insulation first. If that doesn't work you probably would need to go with a larger UTH. Just make sure you have it on a thermostat.

[Sarin]

I know, I will not be getting my thermostat until Friday but until then I'd like to know if I should invest in a larger UTH. I'll give a little more details.

Unregulated my UTH went to 138 F before I shut it off. During this time the ambient temperature in the tank was 74-75. I want to stay away from getting a heat lamp as much as possible. I will not be using any form of insulation unless I have to. I will be using Aspen Snake bedding.

This is all on estimate/opinion basis. Do you think I should get a bigger UTH from your experience? Thanks.

[Jenn]

That doesn't sound like it's going to quite cut it. Sounds like all your heat is going out the top. What's on the top of the tank?

[Sarin]

That's what I figured. There is nothing currently on the top of the tank besides a mesh lid but I may invest in some plexi glass with a few holes to cover the top.

[Jenn]

Now you're talking!!!

[Sarin]

I think I will get the 30-40 Gallon UTH. It'll cover a little more then 1/3 instead of this one covering a little less then 1/3. It won't hurt since it'll be regulated anyway. Thanks for the help. I'll still appreciate anyone's input.

[mooingtricycle]

Yeah, i think that heat pad is a bit small for the application. Once you get bedding in there, you should be good temp wise if you do a plexi covered top. ( id still get the screen top, and then make sure you get the clips to lock that in place, and just place the plexi over the warm side of the enclosure. You still want decent air circulation.