Trouble with Heat Mat

I'm having some trouble with my heat mat. I have it plugged into a Habistat Mat-Stat, but even when the dial is turned to 92, the mat's temperature won't go above 86, so it's not creating a lot of warmth once it gets through the tank and through the substrate. I've had it on and running for a couple of hours and it doesn't seem to be heating up any more than this maximum. How can I fix this? I'm not 100% sure I have the Habistat itself setup correctly because it had a screw dial and it's not very clear which way the arrow is facing.

We will need a few clarifications to help you out.

What kind of thermometers are you using? If they are probed thermometers, where are the probes placed?
Does your thermostat have a probe? If so, where is that probe placed?
What kind of substrate are you using? If it is a loose substrate, how thick is it?

These small things can play a big role in what kind of temps you are getting. It could just be as simple as moving the probes around and adjusting the thermostat. If you have everything in the correct place though, it could mean that the thermostat is no good.

If you have a picture of your setup that will also help. :)

^x2

Also it seems a lot of thermostats need to be above the temp you are aiming for if you want it to actually reach that temp.

ie. having it set to 99F will produce a temp of 92F (You would have to play around with yours to figure out what it needs to be at)

Many thermostat temp readings will not match actual temperatures. (May vary depending on the type/brand of thermostat, room temp, placement of probes, etc etc)
I have to set all of my thermostats a little higher to achieve 91 degree hot spot.

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

We will need a few clarifications to help you out.

What kind of thermometers are you using? If they are probed thermometers, where are the probes placed?
Does your thermostat have a probe? If so, where is that probe placed?
What kind of substrate are you using? If it is a loose substrate, how thick is it?

These small things can play a big role in what kind of temps you are getting. It could just be as simple as moving the probes around and adjusting the thermostat. If you have everything in the correct place though, it could mean that the thermostat is no good.

If you have a picture of your setup that will also help. :)

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Both of my thermometers are Zoo Med Analog Reptile Thermometers, the one on the hot side is placed right at the base and the one on the cool side about 3 inches above the substrate. The probe is directly stuck on the heat mat. The heat mat is a habistat 11 x 11 and the thermostat is a habistat mat-stat.

I've even tried sticking one of the thermometers right on the mat and the highest reading I am getting is 88.

I'm using an aspen substrate about 1 inch thick with newspaper under it, but only a single sheet.

My digital camera has a completely dead battery (the last time I used it was like ... December) and needs to charge up before I can get pictures, but I'll try to post some later if the information I provided doesn't immediately flag up problems!

Thanks guys!

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Originally Posted by Bellatrix_LeSnake

Both of my thermometers are Zoo Med Analog Reptile Thermometers, the one on the hot side is placed right at the base and the one on the cool side about 3 inches above the substrate. The probe is directly stuck on the heat mat. The heat mat is a habistat 11 x 11 and the thermostat is a habistat mat-stat.

I've even tried sticking one of the thermometers right on the mat and the highest reading I am getting is 88.

I'm using an aspen substrate about 1 inch thick with newspaper under it, but only a single sheet.

My digital camera has a completely dead battery (the last time I used it was like ... December) and needs to charge up before I can get pictures, but I'll try to post some later if the information I provided doesn't immediately flag up problems!

Thanks guys!

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I'm sorry you had to buy those analog thermometers, because they are garbage. Go out and buy yourself either two digital thermometers that have probes or you can pickup the accurite weather station. You can buy it from walmart or the home depot (not sure if they still sell it). It is a really basic unit but it is all you need. It measures outdoor temp with a probe, indoor temp at the unit, and indoor humidity at the unit. For the money (about $12) it is well worth it.

I am willing to guess that by the time you get a good digital thermometer you will get much different readings.

For now I would turn your habistat down, just incase it is too hot.

I assume by probe you mean the one to the thermostat? If so, then you got the placement right.

Went out and bought two new digital thermometers from the home goods store this morning. Low and behold, the warm side is actually 91. Thanks for the suggestion everyone! Our BP is supposed to arrive by courier tomorrow, so I was beginning to panic about the thermostat!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bellatrix_LeSnake

Went out and bought two new digital thermometers from the home goods store this morning. Low and behold, the warm side is actually 91. Thanks for the suggestion everyone! Our BP is supposed to arrive by courier tomorrow, so I was beginning to panic about the thermostat!

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Keep in mind that the temp inside the tub, will be cooler based on the aspen and newspaper substrate you are using. The mat temp will have to be higher than 91, for the top of the substrate to get to 91. That temp you figure out by playing around with it. So you may need to set your stat to EXAMPLE ONLY 94, to get the inside of the tub to 90. Play around with gradual adjustments till you get it all right.

kudos to you for doing all this in advance BEFORE you got your new pet at home. He/she will need to be left alone a bit due upon arrival.