Re: installing new ReptiTemp500R and Repti Therm UTH
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Vypyrz
Here is what I did that worked for me. Get a sheet of polystyrene insulation and cut a piece to fit the bottom of the tank. Once you have the UTH in place, use a pen, pencil, screwdriver, etc to create a dent in the insulation for the warm end. Next, I taped the insulation to the bottom of the tank, then I slid the Thermostat probe into the dent you made, which puts it between the insulation and UTH. I then taped the probe lead to the tank to keep it from sliding out. I would start by setting the t-stat to about 92-93 deg. This will be your glass temp. If the surface temp of your substrate is still too cool then try only using a 1/2 inch or so. Snakes will often shift the substrate around so you don't want the glass temp to high. Plus, since the insulation is there most of the heat radiates up which should make it easier to control and may help with the ambient temps as well.
If you have a screen top, and haven't already done so, you need to fill it in as well. I took some cardboard and cut it into strips the same width as the screen and about 4 inches wide. Wrap each panel in foil and place them on the screen. This will allow you to add or subtract panels as necessary to help adjust temps and humidity. Here is a link to some pics I posted a while back that shows some of it. It worked for me and I hope it helps...
Rob
http://http://www.repticzone.com/for...hon/2/88/main/
Thanks for the tips. I don't have any money to buy polystyrene insulation but I did have a sheet of 1/4 inch styrofoam I cut it to the size of the tank and used that. I went with your idea and Kaorte of putting the tstat probe in between the styrofoam and the bottom of the tank to get it out from inside the tank.
Re: installing new ReptiTemp500R and Repti Therm UTH
Hopefully the styrofoam will work out for you. Let me know. Styrofoam may be a cheaper alternative and just as effective. When I bought my polystyrene I got something like a 8' X 10' sheet for under $20. I'm using it on only 2 tanks and I still have at least half of it left over. I'm thinking about cutting some panels out of it and wrapping them in foil and using it to cover my screen tops just to use it up...
Rob
