Does my UTH need a thermostat? What about Thermometers?

Thanks, I got a lot of good info from this post!

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Here is my question...where do you place the thermostat probe in relation to a UTH? Should it go between the UTH and the glass (where it would likely get messed up from the glue on the UTH) or inside the tank, between the glass and substrate (I'm using carpet currently, as I thought it would be easier and cheaper than a wood based substrate)? Thanks.

Aaron

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Originally Posted by yellowbelly76

Here is my question...where do you place the thermostat probe in relation to a UTH? Should it go between the UTH and the glass (where it would likely get messed up from the glue on the UTH) or inside the tank, between the glass and substrate (I'm using carpet currently, as I thought it would be easier and cheaper than a wood based substrate)? Thanks.

Aaron

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Either or really. I put mine inside the tank over the heat pad. I figure I want the hottest temp my snake will come in contact with not the highest the UTH will get which is two different things because of the glass in between.

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Originally Posted by mercerasian

Either or really. I put mine inside the tank over the heat pad. I figure I want the hottest temp my snake will come in contact with not the highest the UTH will get which is two different things because of the glass in between.

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That makes sense merc. What is a safe temp to set on the stat, to ensure that my BP doesn't get a burn? I'm new to BP's, and only got mine a week ago today, and not sure how hot is too hot. I want to make sure he is happy and healthy. Thanks again.

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Originally Posted by mercerasian

Either or really. I put mine inside the tank over the heat pad. I figure I want the hottest temp my snake will come in contact with not the highest the UTH will get which is two different things because of the glass in between.

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WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG

You never want the probe inside the tank, the snake can either dislodge the placement of the probe, water can spill on it or the snake can pee on it. If any of these things happen and they will, your UTH will spike in temperature causing serious injury to your snake.

The probe ALWAYS goes on the outside of the tank, the temperature will be set slightly higher than the desired temperature you want to achieve inside the enclosure. From here you either use a probed thermometer or a IR gun to measure the temperature of your hot spot.



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Also, when you do measure the temperature of your hot spot do it directly above the UTH on the inside of the enclosure, don't measure the temperature at the substrate level as snakes like to burrow.

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Originally Posted by martin82531

WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG

You never want the probe inside the tank, the snake can either dislodge the placement of the probe, water can spill on it or the snake can pee on it. If any of these things happen and they will, your UTH will spike in temperature causing serious injury to your snake.

The probe ALWAYS goes on the outside of the tank, the temperature will be set slightly higher than the desired temperature you want to achieve inside the enclosure. From here you either use a probed thermometer or a IR gun to measure the temperature of your hot spot.



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How would u recommend I protect the probe? I want to be able to use the same thermostat/probe when I move the snake to a larger tank. Therefore, I need to be able to remove it from the current tank. If the probe is between the UTH and the tank, it will be glued in place by the UTH. Currently, the probe is hanging over the "hot spot" and is only getting a reading of 86 degrees. The temp between the carpet and glass is at 83, using a digital thermo with a probe between the glass and carpet. The cool side is reading 77.4 with a combo digital termo/hygro suspended above the floor of the tank.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by martin82531

Also, when you do measure the temperature of your hot spot do it directly above the UTH on the inside of the enclosure, don't measure the temperature at the substrate level as snakes like to burrow.

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Burrowing won't be an issue right now, as I am using carpet. If carpet turns out to be too big of a pain, or highly recommended against, then I'll switch to aspen. If I do switch, I'll keep that in mind. Again, how hot is too hot for the floor temp?

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Originally Posted by yellowbelly76

Burrowing won't be an issue right now, as I am using carpet. If carpet turns out to be too big of a pain, or highly recommended against, then I'll switch to aspen. If I do switch, I'll keep that in mind. Again, how hot is too hot for the floor temp?

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You want your hot spot at 90°. I have never used carpet myself but have heard they can have mold and mildew issues.

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