ThermoHygrometers / Heat Tape

Quick question. I'm just now getting around to setting up my thermo-hygrometer. i only bought one for each enclosure, then i wondered should there be two? and how exactly should they be set up? right now i have them set up on the warm sides of the tank, but should they be in a more neutral location? should the humidity gauge be on top of the substrate or below?

what is the purpose of heat tape and when would you use it?

Ideally you want a way to measure temperatures on both sides of the enclosure, at "snake level". The humidity gauge should be on top of the substrate to measure ambient humidity levels.
If you only have one thermometer, put it on the cool side to measure ambient temperatures then buy an infrared thermometer to measure surface temps on both hot and cool sides of the tank. Alternatively, you can buy a digital thermometer/hygrometer combo that will measure temps on both sides. (I would especially recommend this if your current thermometer/hygrometer is a dial analog type. These are notoriously inaccurate)

Heat tape is also known as an under tank heater (UTH). It is used to provide a safe, warm basking area. Heat tape puts heat directly where the snake is resting. It is preferable to typical heat lamps, because it won't drain humidity. A UTH MUSTbe regulated by a thermostat. Without a thermostat, heat tape may get too hot and burn your snake. However, with a thermostat, heat tape provides a steady and reliable source of heat.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h1...psp2koldrd.jpg
This would be how to set up an UTH.

I would use digital gauges, if you bought the analog stick on ones keep in mind they are not very reliable.

thanks. awesome picture....i honestly COULD NOT imagine what people were talking about when they were saying a thermostat was needed.


so as far heat lamps go, is there light bulb that is best for heating up the tank. i keep the AC vent closed in the room the snakes are in which helps, but its still difficult to maintain heat in the room. i know the light bulbs drain the humidity, but is there a heat bulb that is more suitable?