Should UTH cover the entire width of the warm side

I'm ordering a new UTH for my new tank. I assume that the UTH should take up the entire width of the warm side under the hide. Kinda seems like a silly question as I'm typing it out but I figured I'd ask and see if anyone mentions any tid bits of information that I might have not known about.

The tank is 36"L x 18"W and I'm looking at getting an UTH that's 11"L X 17"W

Covering appx. 1/3 of the bottom to create a gradient is how I understand it. An 11x17 is how the (roommates') 40 gal tank is here, but it houses a corn snake.

Just be extra careful it's not getting too hot. I measured directly on the glass once and they get up around 135'F when plugged directly in. :O way too hot!! lol. A regular wall dimmer switch is easy to wire up with the UTH to regulate it. But as far as size I'd say 1/3 would be safe. The glass will carry some of the heat past were the pad is attached. Long as the snake can be on the heat and off the heat fully should be fine :)

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Originally Posted by RedseaReefer

Just be extra careful it's not getting too hot. I measured directly on the glass once and they get up around 135'F when plugged directly in. :O way too hot!! lol. A regular wall dimmer switch is easy to wire up with the UTH to regulate it. But as far as size I'd say 1/3 would be safe. The glass will carry some of the heat past were the pad is attached. Long as the snake can be on the heat and off the heat fully should be fine :)

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Yup, I'm gonna have a temp probe sitting between the glass and UHT to make sure the temp is always constant

It will eventually be a constant 130'F if its unregulated. They really can be dangerous.

Here's the dimmer I wired up.

http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/...psf9530595.jpg
http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/...psd18a20ac.jpg

I think the actual switch was less than $10. Came with all wire nuts and hardware needed. Just strip, follow directions, connect, and tape it up. Also a friend of mine suggested drawing a line on the knob and relative temps as you figure them out along the side :) best of luck with you project! Grab a pic of the tank! And your beast! :D

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Originally Posted by RedseaReefer

It will eventually be a constant 130'F if its unregulated. They really can be dangerous.

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Should have been more clear in the last post, the probe is from a thermostat where the UTH is plugged into. That's the setup I have now and it does an excellent job at lowering or raising the temp as needed.

Aaah!! Sorry :) then I'm sure you will be fine. Sorry I wrote an unnecessary novel. Lol

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Originally Posted by RedseaReefer

Aaah!! Sorry :) then I'm sure you will be fine. Sorry I wrote an unnecessary novel. Lol

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Extra info never hurt anyone. If anything it will be stored in the back of my brain for a day I'll randomly need some or all of the info you posted.