T-stat probe placement for dummies...

[stinker2009]

Howdy,
I just got a herpstat and am going to set up a tank enclosure as soon as I get a couple of hours to get it all right. I have found several threads about where to place the probe for several different situation (flexwatt, tubs, for lamps) but I was hoping to get an exact answer on how to do this for my set up.

It is a tank with a zoomed uth already stuck to the bottom as the only source of heat. The overhead light is one of those 13 watt economical bulbs and provides little, if any additional heat. I am currently thinking attach the probe to the bottom of the uth with packaging tape, between the table and the uth. I have read this setup will cause temp swings on the t-stat monitor but I do have a solid temp gun so I can monitor belly temps. I am worried about the stability of the probe. Glue seems like it would melt and I dont know if foil tape conduct too much heat or something.

Sorry for yet another probe placement question...

[Danounet]

UTH are too hot for snakes as it is, so I dont think loss of heat is too much of a problem, as long as you hit your mark with your temp gun inside. If I were you, I would put the t-stat probe directly on the UTH, that way you dont risk cooking your snakes because of overheat . I think most people use foil tape, since it gets the job done and it's safe.

[knott00]

The probe is supposed to go between the glass and the UTH on the bottom of your enclosure. This is so the temp probe is away from any draft or cold air that could cause the probe to cool off thus making your t-stat heat up your UTH more and cook your snake. If at all possible, Peel off a bit of your UTH and stick the probe under. Get as close to the middle of it as possible.

[joshn6805]

The probe is supposed to go between the glass and the UTH on the bottom of your enclosure. This is so the temp probe is away from any draft or cold air that could cause the probe to cool off thus making your t-stat heat up your UTH more and cook your snake. If at all possible, Peel off a bit of your UTH and stick the probe under. Get as close to the middle of it as possible.

Very well put, that was spot on.

[stinker2009]

The probe is supposed to go between the glass and the UTH on the bottom of your enclosure. This is so the temp probe is away from any draft or cold air that could cause the probe to cool off thus making your t-stat heat up your UTH more and cook your snake. If at all possible, Peel off a bit of your UTH and stick the probe under. Get as close to the middle of it as possible.

How about if I cover the probe with foil tape? This would keep a breeze from hitting the sensor and the foil would hold heat pretty well. I will be upgrading to a larger tank within a few months and will likely just leave the peel away attached to the uth and tape the whole think to the bottom of the cage. Think that will be alright?

[knott00]

How about if I cover the probe with foil tape? This would keep a breeze from hitting the sensor and the foil would hold heat pretty well. I will be upgrading to a larger tank within a few months and will likely just leave the peel away attached to the uth and tape the whole think to the bottom of the cage. Think that will be alright?

If you would rather not peel off your UTH, I believe this would be your best alternative. The aluminum in foil tape is actually a pretty good insolator and should keep the probe from being affected by the envroment too much.

[dr del]

Hi,

Where are you talking about taping it down? - it's not inside the tank is it?

I would read the sticky on removing a stuck down UTH and see if you could loosen it enough to get the probe in between it and the bottom of the tub first.


dr del

[DM1975]

Is there anything wrong with having a thermostat sensor in the tub? I have mine attached inside the tub with packing tape and my rack is heated by a heat cable in a routed channel in the rack. My temps on my thermostat are pretty close to my temp gun readings +/-1 degree of the bottom of the cage. Is this wrong?

[Buttons]

Is there anything wrong with having a thermostat sensor in the tub? I have mine attached inside the tub with packing tape and my rack is heated by a heat cable in a routed channel in the rack. My temps on my thermostat are pretty close to my temp gun readings +/-1 degree of the bottom of the cage. Is this wrong?

If the snake urinates or spills water on the tstat probe it could drastically change your temps.

[stinker2009]

Not to mention the wonderful time you'll have when the snake gets caught up in the tape. This seems unlikely but with ball pythons you never know. It does seem like the best place to place it when you're monitoring the temperature of the floor, it can just create too many complications. I think I'm just gonna go with foil tape on the back (non tank side) of the UTH and spend a couple hours adjusting the thermostat for the swings. Thanks for the help everyone