Ambient Temps

When people refer to the ambient temp of the enclosure, (i.e., don't let it fall below 75) where specifically should this temperature be taken? (back center of the tank?, just above the substrate on the cool end?, etc.) Right now I have the basking temp regulated using a rheostat until my thermostat arrives. I have about 3/4 of the top of my 20G aquarium covered with plexiglass, which is keeping the humidity about perfect. (55-60%) The Fluker temp/hygro is about 1-2" above the substrate in the center of the tank. My concern is that the temp on the fluker is indicating about 70 degrees on average. If I turn on my 75W black light at the cool end, I can raise it up a few degrees. Being that my basking temp and humidity are fairly decent, should I concern myself with the "ambient" temperature? Should I leave the black light on 24x7? I live in NH so the temps here are fairly cool. The BP enclosure is in my daughter's room and the ambient temp in the room is around 68-70 on average. The only issue I see with keeping the black light on 24x7 is that it lowers the humidity around 15% or so. I don't really want to add another UTH unless absolutely necessary. Thoughts? I've included a picture of the enclosure.

http://cdn-2-service.phanfare.com/im...7017504f9af8_1

Thanks,
- Bill

Well, I have my thermometer right above the substrate on the cool side, but from your picture it looks like where you have yours is okay too. You could maybe lower it a little and move it more towards your cool side, but the temp probably wouldn't be much different.

I think a constant 70 is a little too cold, so I would say you're unfortunately going to have to leave the light on as much as possible. Unless you have a spare space heater you could bring in and put on a low setting to try and warm up the air...but that will eventually start eating your humidity too. I'd say you either have to leave the light on and mist more or buy another UTH. Living in the northern regions is aggravating...I have a similar problem :(

Thanks for the reply Erin. Yeah, in the short term I'm thinking a combination of more frequent misting and a 24/7 bulb. I think I need to lower the wattage from 75W to something closer to 50W so not to impact the humidity as much. Although it's not pretty, longer term I'm thinking about adhering some form of insulation to the sides/back to reduce the heat loss. Thanks to Argentra "The Tank Queen" for this suggestion! I just went upstairs and tossed a thick towel over the plexiglass section in hopes of further reducing the heat loss.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by blushingball419

Well, I have my thermometer right above the substrate on the cool side, but from your picture it looks like where you have yours is okay too. You could maybe lower it a little and move it more towards your cool side, but the temp probably wouldn't be much different.

I think a constant 70 is a little too cold, so I would say you're unfortunately going to have to leave the light on as much as possible. Unless you have a spare space heater you could bring in and put on a low setting to try and warm up the air...but that will eventually start eating your humidity too. I'd say you either have to leave the light on and mist more or buy another UTH. Living in the northern regions is aggravating...I have a similar problem :(

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Try insulating the back and sides of the tank with black foam core board. This might help hold the temps a little bit more.

If that doesn't help, its either a space heater, lamp, or another UTH.

Radiant heat panels are a great option for getting ambient temps up but they are rather expensive :/

A piece of wide flex-watt can be wired up to create a 'panel' you can place on the back with tape, too. (Thermostat required).