under tank heaters and substrate

how much substrate should be used on top of an under tank heater? ive got about an inche or so and is seems warm to the touch. i wouldnt say it is more than about 70 dgrees in the area of the heater. i dont have a temp gun to check it exactly . any info would be helpfull.

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Originally Posted by metalman

i dont have a temp gun to check it exactly

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you need one

I don;t know what you want us to tell you, there are many variables that effect the cage temp, UTH wattage and components that go into building the UTH, tank type, tank size, tank materials, substrate type and thickness, ambient temp of the house, humidity and there more im not thinking of.

you need a temp gun. and your saying your UTH feels like 70.... how cold is your house?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by metalman

how much substrate should be used on top of an under tank heater? ive got about an inche or so and is seems warm to the touch. i wouldnt say it is more than about 70 dgrees in the area of the heater. i dont have a temp gun to check it exactly . any info would be helpfull.

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If it feels "warm" its probably over 95...
You can try to justify that you dont need the tools, and some people never use the right tools. IMO your just guessing and hoping for the best. It will work sometimes but those same people usually come back with real problems or have a dead snake :(

What Im trying to say, is spend the 20 dollars and get a dimmer and a good thermometer. Save yourself the grief :D

I agree with them. UTHs are so unpredictable and get VERY hot. At the very least get a $10 dimmer from home depot and a temp gun. Home Depot carries temp guns, but tempguns.com is selling their PE-2 for $35. These are necessities if you care about your snake.