Possible Thermostat Malfunction?

I have a an 18x18x18 exo terra setup with an 8x8 UTH under the hide. I simply placed spacers on the bottom of the UTH to let it set off of the stand instead of adhereing it directly to the tank. I plugged the UTH in through a Zoo Med Repti-Temp Rheostat in order to adjust the temp and placed a thermometer probe using the suction cup right above the UTH. The problem is even with the Rheostat adjusted to its lowest possible setting the tempature continues to rise into the 102 degree range. Could the rheostat not be working properly or should a move the probe inside the tank underneath the hide. The ambient temp is staying between 80 and 85 degrees. I really don't want the belly of my ball burned. So I was thinking of just unplugging the UTH until I get back to the store tommorrow. As long as the ambient temp stays around 80 he will be fine right?

Hi,

Is the thermostat probe sitting right on the UTH?

Possibly taping it down tight might help - and have you double checked the thermostat by turning it the other way? (preferrably with no animal in the tank just in case ).

If the 500R a dimmer type or an on/off type - I can't remember at the moment.


dr del

Yeah it's suctioned right above the UTH on the bottom of the glass. I was afraid to turn it up on high because it seems like no matter where I set the dial it functions at full blast. A family member who raises snakes suggested placing the probe on the inside of the tank under the hide for a more accurate reading. He stated that it's probably 10 degees cooler inside. I have about 2 inches of aspen bedding down so I hope that between that and the glass a lot of the heat is absorbed before reaching Diablo.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dr del

Hi,

Is the thermostat probe sitting right on the UTH?

Possibly taping it down tight might help - and have you double checked the thermostat by turning it the other way? (preferrably with no animal in the tank just in case ).

If the 500R a dimmer type or an on/off type - I can't remember at the moment.


dr del

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He's using the rheostat, not the 500r thermostat.
I've heard that those are terrible in terms or fine control of heating devices. Pick up a Lutron 300W lamp dimmer at Lowes ($10) and it will allow for much better control as it's a slider and not a notched wheel.

Yeah, I have heard those rheostats don't work well. I would invest in a reptitemp 500r. I have never had problems with mine when I used it.

Thanks yall! I figured the stat just wasnt as percise as it needed to be. I placed the thermo probe inside the tank under the hide last night and was glad to see temps were staying around 87 and 88. I appreciate those of you who commented. Maybe one day I will be able to pay it forward.

Hi,

You really don't want the thermostat probe inside the enclosure if you can avoid it though - it just means the snake can mess with it. :weirdface


dr del

Or pee on it or move it. And this causes the thermostat to run the UTH on full blast.

Get it out of the enclosure.

I didn't know keeping the humidity and temp correct was going to be this difficult. I bought Diablo from a reptile show and the guy told me owning a snake was far easier than owning any other pet. I guess he was a real good salesman right? If I can just get him through without getting sick, I am going to build him a new dwelling next week. I believe from everything I've read on this site that glass enclosures are more difficult to regulate. I appreciate all of your input and suggestions. It's nice to see a forum where people don't make you feel like a total idiot.

Anyone have a link to a single tub setup? He needs a larger enclosure than what he is housed in (another obvious point Mr. Salesman didn't bother to tell me). Don't know his weight, but he is approximatley 3.5 foot long. He is currently in an 18x18x18 Terra with only one hide. From what I've read he needs double the space I'm providing him. I believe setting up a tub enclosure would be the fastest and most effeciant way to keep him healthy.