Getting temps correct shouldn't be this difficult...

Frustration is starting to rear its ugly head. My 20 long temps are currently-- 91 hot side, 74 cold side, 50% Rh. To get these where they are at, I had to add a 75 watt Zoo Med infrared bulb in a 8.5" dome, hooked up to a dimmer. With the lamp placed in the middle of my lid, the substrate surface temp has read 95*. The dimmer works nicely, so adjusting isn't a problem (yet). Would it make more sense to keep the lamp over the hot side, or keep it centered? Thanks for reading.

What other heat sources are you using currently?

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

What other heat sources are you using currently?

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A t-stat regulated Ultratherm uth.

ok, well if you move the heat lamp over to the hot side do the air temps on the cool side drop too much or not? That is how I would decide to keep the heat lamp in the middle or move it over to the hot side.

They do drop, actually. That is why I'm confused. Hot side now is 91* & cool side is 75*. Lamp is approx. in the middle, maybe a couple inches closer to hot side. I'm starting to think the middle is where it should be. I can't wait for Spring/Summer for naturally good ambient temps!

Not so sure a Hot Side...Hotter Middle...Cool Side is ok. Tubs are starting to sound better every day...

..... i feel your pain . i switched to tubs after I cracked my tank from a che ...... I looooved my tub .......but I wanted a more eye appealing enclosure, and the tub gave me months of worry free time to plan my enclosure.

What is the temp under the substrate on the glass where the UTH is mounted?

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

What is the temp under the substrate on the glass where the UTH is mounted?

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This is a new problem I just discovered. 1/2 of the Ultratherm read 95ish, the other read 80ish. This is turning into a financial nightmare!!!!!

UTH is not completely flat with glass, sagging a bit.

For a glass tank you are about right on temps and humidity.
You said the UTH is reading two different temps, Is that because of the sag where its not stuck or more like its broke?
You just don't want the surface temp of anything the snake can touch hotter than 94-95 degrees.

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

For a glass tank you are about right on temps and humidity.
You said the UTH is reading two different temps, Is that because of the sag where its not stuck or more like its broke?
You just don't want the surface temp of anything the snake can touch hotter than 94-95 degrees.

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Yeah, I re-attached the Ultratherm. My t-stat probe is centrally located on 1 side of the uth, under where the snakes hide will be. Probe is held down with foil tape. I notice the spot where the foil tape is holding the probe down is around 7 degrees higher. Any suggestions? I feel my snake will be full grown by the time I get all this ironed out... :tricho:

So what is the actual temp (with a temp gun) on the hot spot?

I never go by t-stat settings, too many variables.

I'm not using a temp gun yet. I just ordered one from Reptile Basics about 10 minutes ago. My Acurite says the hot side is 87*, t-stat is set at 90*-91*. I know to go by thermometer, not t-stat read out. My concern is that big, nasty heat spike around the foil taped t-stat probe. It read 95*+! What if I was just to tuck the t-stat probe between uth and glass, eliminating foil area heat spike? I appreciate the help, man!

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Originally Posted by JeRMz

What if I was just to tuck the t-stat probe between uth and glass, eliminating foil area heat spike? I appreciate the help, man!

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Just be careful not to damage the mat

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

Just be careful not to damage the mat

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Going back into uth surgery. Wish me luck! :please:

What are the room temps, are the temp swings? Just curious.

Room temp is a constant 70*.