Thermostat probe under substrate??

Just set up my Herphouses PVC tank today 24" x 24" x 16".
I am running a radiant heat panel with a VE 200 thermostat to create my hot side.
I put the thermostat probe under a thin layer of the substrate and set it to 88 F.
Is that correct or will it make the area he actually occupies too hot?

No the thermostat probe should be hanging under your rhp and never near or under your substrate. You run the risk of having your bp either moving the probe around or peeing/pooing on it creating temperature spikes.

Monitor surface temps with a temp gun and adjust your thermostat settings accordingly.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

No the thermostat probe should be hanging under your rhp and never near or under your substrate. You run the risk of having your bp either moving the probe around or peeing/pooing on it creating temperature spikes.

Monitor surface temps with a temp gun and adjust your thermostat settings accordingly.

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Oh ok - thank you!! I must have mis-understood the directions from the rhp manufacturer.
I currently have the probe taped down under the substrate and up along the wall but will change it.
Can it still be taped to the wall? I am unsure how else to get it under the rhp.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DWRVT

Oh ok - thank you!! I must have mis-understood the directions from the rhp manufacturer.
I currently have the probe taped down under the substrate and up along the wall but will change it.
Can it still be taped to the wall? I am unsure how else to get it under the rhp.

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No prob! I actually almost made the same mistake until I had things pointed out.

As for tape, BIG no-no! Never have any tape inside the enclosure as your bp can get stuck on it and get fatally hurt. Too many horror stories involving tape, sadly some resulting in death or surgery.

Instead consider using ziptie holders (remove the adhesive if there is any and silicone/hot glue it on or use screws) and ziptie the probe to it. Cable holders can work too. I'm on mobile so can't show pictures but hopefully other members can show examples and other safe methods.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

No prob! I actually almost made the same mistake until I had things pointed out.

As for tape, BIG no-no! Never have any tape inside the enclosure as your bp can get stuck on it and get fatally hurt. Too many horror stories involving tape, sadly some resulting in death or surgery.

Instead consider using ziptie holders (remove the adhesive if there is any and silicone/hot glue it on or use screws) and ziptie the probe to it. Cable holders can work too. I'm on mobile so can't show pictures but hopefully other members can show examples and other safe methods.

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Ok - thank you so much! I would not want to do anything that will put my boy at risk!
For tonight, I will just take everything out and let the probe hang in the general vicinity of the hot side.
Hopefully, tomorrow I can figure out how to fix my mistake.

Here’s a pic of the RHP and probe in the RBI viv I just purchased. The RHP is mounted all the way to the left (hot) side of the viv. The probe simply hangs down a few inches.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...27d6afe0d3.jpg

I used adhesive cable tie mounts on the outside of the viv to hold all of my wiring so that nothing gets pulled out or shifts position.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...8fbbcb62fc.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote:

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Originally Posted by larryd23

Here’s a pic of the RHP and probe in the RBI viv I just purchased. The RHP is mounted all the way to the left (hot) side of the viv. The probe simply hangs down a few inches.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...27d6afe0d3.jpg

I used adhesive cable tie mounts on the outside of the viv to hold all of my wiring so that nothing gets pulled out or shifts position.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...8fbbcb62fc.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Ok so I might just need to drill a new hole in my tank!
Thank you so much for sharing :)
Great idea about the zip ties on the back!!