Thermostat probe: Does it go inside the tank or out?

I've got a hydrofarm thermostat on the way and I'm wondering where I should put the probe from it?

If it's kept in between the heat pad and the tank wouldn't the temp that reads on the thermometer be warmer than the actual temperature inside the tank?

It's a glass tank so I would imagine that the temperature has to be set warmer to compensate for having to heat through glass.

It would go inside the tank, on the warm side. Hope that helps.

i would have a thermometer inside the cage and have the thermostat probe on the heat mat itself because if you put it inside the cage the ball python can move the probe and then the thermostat can go over the desired temperature.

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Originally Posted by Maddumpling

i would have a thermometer inside the cage and have the thermostat probe on the heat mat itself because if you put it inside the cage the ball python can move the probe and then the thermostat can go over the desired temperature.

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Ditto.

My under tank heater is already attached to the bottom of the tank with aluminum foil tape. Should I just tape the probe to the back (non sticky) side?

Should work fine.

So it IS ok to place t-stat probe wire between heat mat and glass? Maybe place end of probe wire in the center of mat and stick it all down? :confusd:

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It would go inside the tank, on the warm side. Hope that helps.

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I assume you meant the thermometer probe, the t-stat probe NEVER goes inside the tank.

OP: I suggest just taping the probe to the bottom of the heat pad, it doesn't need to go between the glass and the heat pad ;)

Probes maybe placed on the heat mat or inside. Inside mounting needs a handful of precautions first to be sure it is as safe as possible. I would NOT recommend interior placement with a hydrofarms they do not offer enough safety margin for this type of placement.

I would invest in a good thermometer as hydrofarms have such poor accuracy.

safe as possible means OUTSIDE the tank not inside, why would you even offer that as an alternative to someone just starting out?

Because it can be done safely but not with a hydrofarm. Interior hold much more stable temps in unstable rooms typical of beginners. I don't know why people recommend hydrofarms!

Safe interior methods need secure probes placement (all probes need to be secure reguardless)
fail safe t-stat
over and under shut down
ideally a low wattage UTH as well.

(why anyone uses high wattage uth when the low wattage ones are so much safer I can't figure either.)

Thanks for the info! I was just thinking that sticking the thermostat probe in-between heat pad/mat and glass would keep wire nice & secure. Attaching probe wire to the bottom of heat pad/mat makes clear sense to me, as well. Can you recommend a good type of tape for this? Foil, duct, or something? Sometimes certain tapes don't like heat.
I must say, this site is MUCH more friendly and understanding to us "new-bees" than others I have viewed! :gj:

Don't use foil tape it can deliver false results as it is adversely effected by air temps. I use tape that is approved to 150º + as this is around the max temps for a high wattage UTH. I usually use electrical tape as it is often approved for temps of 170ºF. Many duct tapes are lower than this also the adhesive degrades sometimes.

Perfect! Thanx!:gj: