Thermometer reading hot even though I have it dialled to low?

a rheostat is quite different from a T-stat. with a rheostat the energy flow is constant despite fluctuations in relative humidity and thus temperature. the dryer the substrate gets the hotter it will be on a rheostat. a t-stat is better at minimizing these swings, but in incubators I've still seen humidity swings mess with even t-stats. it's also possible that the rheostat failed... anything can fail, but I'd check the humidity right over hot spot.

I've taken to sealing up my enclosures and heavily insulating them, and eliminating heat lamps and by doing so keeping the humidity more constant to reduce big swings in temp and humidity. if you want to get really into it, when water changes states from a liquid to a gas, it literally absorbs heat/energy, so a moist hot spot will literally remain cooler with a constant voltage than a dry hot spot. screen tops make for tedium.

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Originally Posted by cayley

Hi Mr Sully, I was lead to believe that a Rheostat was a dimmer... I was in a reptile store that had everything conveniently there so I purchased a rheostat instead of the dimmer that you suggested. Sorry for seeming like I wasn't listening, but I was, and I did appreciate your help and read the sticky. I didn't get the snake until I was maintaining a correct temperature but something happened. i'll be heading to Lowes tomorrow.

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Im not being mean I just want to help that cute hatchling :)
In order to get the "Hot Spot" correct the only way to check the temp is a Laser or a Prob thermometer where your snake lays (Basks)
I wish you read the products in the Sticky before you bought any of the stuff you have. These Pet Store people will sell you and tell you anything. This is actually simple if you started all over...
The style enclosure you have is better for a Mouse than a snake. All you can do at this point is get your UTH to the correct temp because you cant use a CHE/Heat lamps with a critter cage. So lets get his heat mat hide to 88/91 so he is safe...
Then keep a eye on Craigslist because you need a 20/30Gallon Long terrarium or something. You can find them for $20/$30.

A rheostat and a dimmer are the same thing. The problem is that the rheostat has to run the UTH for several days, with you fine tuning it, until it's dialed in. They also don't work when the ambient temperature in the room isn't constant. As you also noted the UTH may still end up too hot even when the rheostat is on its lowest setting, while a thermostat can turn off the heater if it gets too hot.

If on a budget, Amazon has some thermostats for around $25 to $35 that work quite well.. ;)

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Hey guys thanks for the help! The temp has been steady for a few hours now and it's not climbing anymore. Thank you!

My jumpstart arrived yesterday for my BRB that has been with an unregulated heat source for two years (I know, i'm a horrible person, but I'm getting better). so far I'm really impressed with how robust the unit is given the very reasonable price. It's simple, it's not nearly as fancy and nice as my herpstat but it sure looks like it can get the job done!

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Originally Posted by zina10

If on a budget, Amazon has some thermostats for around $25 to $35 that work quite well.. ;)

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

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Originally Posted by Slither Seeker

My jumpstart arrived yesterday for my BRB that has been with an unregulated heat source for two years (I know, i'm a horrible person, but I'm getting better).

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They don't tend to stay on a hot spot like balls do either.