Uth help!

I purchased the Zoo-Med "Repti-Therm" UTH for my 10 gal tank. Right now the tank is on top of a wood-finish dresser. Will the rubber feet allow enough clearance for it to be used safely or should I "Side-mount" it?

Additionally, will side mounting be less effective than underneath the tank?:confused:

If it's controlled by a thermostat (which it should be...) there is no hazard...

... and a side mounted UTH doesn't work very well at all.

I had the same concern I just bought bigger rubber feet at the local hardware store :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wax32

... and a side mounted UTH doesn't work very well at all.

---

Can someone please confirm this or give some more thoughts?

The rubber stands might not be high enough of a clearance for your thermostat probe to be on the bottom of the UTH. If thats the case you can go buy some bigger ones at walmart for like $1.50 for 4 in the " Do it youself" aisle. Thats what i did

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SkYyame

Can someone please confirm this or give some more thoughts?

---

Yes, because UTHs are meant to make surface temps hotter, not ambient. Since the snake doesn't lay on the side of the tank, it's pointless.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SkYyame

Can someone please confirm this or give some more thoughts?

---

If you need extra ambient temperatures then side mounting a uth isn't a bad idea, but I would have the belly heat before side heat.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LGray23

Yes, because UTHs are meant to make surface temps hotter, not ambient. Since the snake doesn't lay on the side of the tank, it's pointless.

---

Then how do you bring up ambient temps without a lamp?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by snakesRkewl

If you need extra ambient temperatures then side mounting a uth isn't a bad idea, but I would have the belly heat before side heat.

---

I didn't realize they affected ambient temps at all? Good to know I guess.

Side mounting a UTH in a tank is not very efficient. Heat rises, (not to be dumb but sometimes people forget the obvious) the open top added with the typical height most of the heat is lost to the top and height. More power would then be needed and the hotter the side has to be and that in turn could mean burns. I have encountered a system that used a primary UTH under the tank. The side mounted was used to increase the ambient temp and extended across the whole back and was controlled by an independent T-stat set to deliver 80ºF. This seemed to work well but I do not think it would be efficient alone.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LGray23

I didn't realize they affected ambient temps at all? Good to know I guess.

---

My enclosure isn't glass nor is it top opening. It maintains heat well and I think it would be impossible to stick a decent size UTH on the site without it raising ambient temps whatsoever

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LGray23

If it's controlled by a thermostat (which it should be...) there is no hazard...

---

There is always a hazard when dealing with electricity and heating apparatus! Thermostats will help minimize the risk but it's always going to be present. I've used side mounted UTH before, mainly with arboreal animals, and they seem able to utilize the heat just fine. There are things you can do to help preserve some of that heat before it escapes. Substrate deep enough that it's covering at least the bottom couple inches of the side-mounted UTH will absorb and hold a bit of the heat. That coupled with one of those half log hides set with one opening flush against the side of the tank where the UTH is mounted will create a fairly warm retreat for your pet without having to heat the crap outta that thing.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by John1982

There is always a hazard when dealing with electricity and heating apparatus! Thermostats will help minimize the risk but it's always going to be present. I've used side mounted UTH before, mainly with arboreal animals, and they seem able to utilize the heat just fine. There are things you can do to help preserve some of that heat before it escapes. Substrate deep enough that it's covering at least the bottom couple inches of the side-mounted UTH will absorb and hold a bit of the heat. That coupled with one of those half log hides set with one opening flush against the side of the tank where the UTH is mounted will create a fairly warm retreat for your pet without having to heat the crap outta that thing.

---

I meant no more risk than normally, obviously...with the thermostat comment I was referring to the degree wood has to be until it ignites...a thermostat prevents the heat source from reaching that point, therefore the risk is not there (more than normal for any other electrical device) :)

yes, the UTH heats the glass and then the air inside, so it definitely helps with ambient temps.

I want to confirm that it will help with a temp gradient though. (And I also have a red-lens bulb that I use for regular heat, the UTH is just a supplement)

I am having some problems keeping humidity high, though. Any thoughts?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kyle S.

yes, the UTH heats the glass and then the air inside, so it definitely helps with ambient temps.

I want to confirm that it will help with a temp gradient though. (And I also have a red-lens bulb that I use for regular heat, the UTH is just a supplement)

I am having some problems keeping humidity high, though. Any thoughts?

---

yes....

1. Aspen or cypress bedding(i like cypress)
2. Acrylic top replacement instead of screen make air holes and ensure it is secured correctly.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...arium-Solution

i find that this idea is the best.

but if turning it on its side isnt what you want to do then take that Idea and make a suitable version for it to be the actual top with its current orientation.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LGray23

I meant no more risk than normally, obviously...with the thermostat comment I was referring to the degree wood has to be until it ignites...a thermostat prevents the heat source from reaching that point, therefore the risk is not there (more than normal for any other electrical device) :)

---

It isn't obvious to everyone, I read it as an absolute and thought that merited correction. I disagree that it's no more dangerous than the typical household electrical device. What if the thermostat somehow fails or the probe gets jostled loose? I worked with an electrician for a while and this stuff scares the heck out of me so I tend to be overcautious and advise the same.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tcutting

yes....

1. Aspen or cypress bedding(i like cypress)
2. Acrylic top replacement instead of screen make air holes and ensure it is secured correctly.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...arium-Solution

i find that this idea is the best.

---

I already have cypress mulch and that works very well, but keeping the ambient air humid is proving more difficult than I thought.

Has anyone heard of this Tropicaire Humidifier and Air Exchanger? Seems like an inexpensive solution to my humidity problem, but I'm a firm believer in getting what you pay for...

here's the link:
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/2526/product.web

Humidity issues can be solved with a humid hide, quick and easy.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by John1982

It isn't obvious to everyone, I read it as an absolute and thought that merited correction. I disagree that it's no more dangerous than the typical household electrical device. What if the thermostat somehow fails or the probe gets jostled loose? I worked with an electrician for a while and this stuff scares the heck out of me so I tend to be overcautious and advise the same.

---

I always recommend a fail safe t-stat because of the extra safety margin both to me and my animals.

The air exchangers I tried one ages ago I did not find it worked very well and only raised humidity a few %.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kitedemon

The air exchangers I tried one ages ago I did not find it worked very well and only raised humidity a few %.

---

Right now my humidity is about 40s at best and i know it needs to be between 50-60. Any tips?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kitedemon

Humidity issues can be solved with a humid hide, quick and easy.

---

x2, They often defecate in there as well making for a super easy clean-up.