Best UTH to use? ReptiTherm just failed

Just moments ago I happened to glance to my python's 40-gal. tank and notice that the thermostat display is blinking, meaning the temperature is out of range. So I check my ReptiTherm, which is room temperature and has almost entirely fallen off the bottom of the tank. "Permanently adhere" my ass. :mad: Multimeter confirms that the thermostat is outputting 120VAC as expected, so the UTH is definitely the problem. I expect it's a broken circuit, and tomorrow I'll dissect it to see.

I've had it for 8 months, but it's the first one I've used so I'm not sure what the life expectancy should be. More than 8 months, I hope. I use a CHE as well, so my python will be okay until I can get a replacement. Problem is, I can't seem to find many alternatives. Maybe Exo Terra? Any recommendations? Whatever I get, I may have to "permanently adhere" to the glass my way this time...

Until I'm able to build my rack, I swear by Ultratherm. I ordered a few online and they're amazing. Basically, they're heat tape that's already cut, laminated, and has a cord attached.
http://www.reptilebasics.com/ultratherm-heat-pads

EDIT: Also, they're much cheaper than most UTHs.

Flexwatt gets my vote for durability and cost.
You can have it pre-wired for free before they ship it to you from the same place, Reptilebasics.

+1 flexwatt, but I've also heard good things about Ultratherm. Most rbi products are a good choice.

I got Ultatherm from Rich 2 weeks ago on the show.. and I just Love that stuff.. Those are low wattage UHT and those dont go over 95 degrees so are more safe than rest of stuff on the market...

For 40 Gallon 11x17 : http://www.reptilebasics.com/ultrath...ter-uth-11-x17 will do in my opinion. Will cover nicely almost 1/3 of the floor :gj:

I used to use an Ultratherm and I didn't have any problems with it. Now I have a rack with tubs and I use the flexwatt. I really like the flexwatt.

I use flexwatt at home.

The Exo Terra is a good option though. Haven't heard of many problems with the rainforest model.

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Originally Posted by LGray23

+1 flexwatt, but I've also heard good things about Ultratherm. Most rbi products are a good choice.

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^^^^ I have an Ultratherm I got at Repticon and it works great. You have to be careful because even though it only goes up to 95 or 96 degrees, my thermo probe was reading 101 degrees on my BP tub. So I think a 96 degree UTH can make for a pretty hot plastic tub so I still use a Hydrofarm to control it.

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Originally Posted by RetiredJedi

^^^^ I have an Ultratherm I got at Repticon and it works great. You have to be careful because even though it only goes up to 95 or 96 degrees, my thermo probe was reading 101 degrees on my BP tub. So I think a 96 degree UTH can make for a pretty hot plastic tub so I still use a Hydrofarm to control it.

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You definitely still have to regulate them with thermostats. Not sure what exactly they mean by "won't go above 95 degrees", I've found that to be quite untrue. They certainly do not get as hot as all other UTH I've used but when I tested the first one out, left unregulated my thermometer probe read over 110 even with a large space between the Ultratherm and bottom of tub to allow ample airflow.

I have an Ultra-therm.....and you most def DO NEED A THERMOSTAT.....they get hot....much hotter than 95. Read Reptile basics Ultra-therm faq sheet. It is in the site map section. It states that the temp of the pad can vary with room temperature and that if a certain specific temperature is desired you should use a thermostat. I 100% AGREE....USE A THERMOSTAT!!!

I also think it is safer than flex-watt. Just my opinion on that though.

X3 on flex-watt;)

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

X3 on flex-watt;)

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x4 for flex-watt!

Good bang for your buck and you can choose between 3" 4" and 11" width at what ever length you decide. Get it pre-wired or crimp on the clamps yourself...