Where to place the thermostat probe

This is an age old debate about if the thermostat probe should go inside or under the enclosure. I personally put mine inside, because I feel that's best. If the probe is outside the enclosure then the temperature inside will constantly fluctuate as the temp outside changes. This is how I do it. I glue tubing inside the enclosure that I slide the thermostat probe into. I then use a bread clip to stop the probe from sliding back through the tube. This holds it in place without any tape! When I need to clean, I remove the clip and slide out the probe.

How do you do it???

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.n...29420334_o.jpg

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Originally Posted by Rickys_Reptiles

This is an age old debate about if the thermostat probe should go inside or under the enclosure. I personally put mine inside, because I feel that's best. If the probe is outside the enclosure then the temperature inside will constantly fluctuate as the temp outside changes. This is how I do it. I glue tubing inside the enclosure that I slide the thermostat probe into. I then use a bread clip to stop the probe from sliding back through the tube. This holds it in place without any tape! When I need to clean, I remove the clip and slide out the probe.

How do you do it???

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.n...29420334_o.jpg

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What happens when the snake tips the water bowl onto it? The bread clip could be knocked off too, thats certainly not fool proof. I just feel that its a lot safer to keep it outside of the enclosure where the snake cant mess with it at all. If its outside the enclosure then the only way it can be messed with is by me. That tubing would also be a spot where snake piss or crap could get in and have to be cleaned or replaced. I just personally feel like its a lot of extra effort you're going to with no real benefit.

The bread clip can't come off, it takes a bit of work for me to take it off and I have opposable thumbs. As far as water tipping over, well that won't happen either, but I suppose if someone uses this method it should come with some kind of disclaimer telling the user that they need to make sure the water cannot be tipped over (Good point :gj:). As for it needing to be cleaned due to waste, that's not an issue. The entire enclosure gets cleaned, including the tube.

For me the gain is simple. If the probe is outside then I need to test regularly and adjust my heat often. If my room temperature fluctuates 10 degrees over the course of the day, and my heat tape is set to 100 degrees (as an example), then the temperature inside will also fluctuate... The way I have it, no matter what the temperature it outside the enclosure, it's always the same inside.

I have one cage with it on the outside and one with it on the inside, because I wanted to expirement with what was more accurate. The one on the inside is hot glued in place, the one on the outside is held on with Kapton tape. The temp in the room that I keep my reptiles in doesn't fluctuate more than a few degrees and I have found no difference on where the probe was placed. Once I dial in the temp it stays.

But when you put it on the outside are you constantly checking the temps inside to make sure?

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by Rickys_Reptiles

For me the gain is simple. If the probe is outside then I need to test regularly and adjust my heat often. If my room temperature fluctuates 10 degrees over the course of the day, and my heat tape is set to 100 degrees (as an example), then the temperature inside will also fluctuate... The way I have it, no matter what the temperature it outside the enclosure, it's always the same inside.

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No you don't lol? You figure out what temp you have to set your tstat to so you get the hotspot you want, set it, and it stays like that. The probe in my rack is within the rack under the tub, held in place. The temps in there don't fluctuate much at all. On top of that, none of the rooms in my house fluctuate 10degrees in a day, thats a lot. I saw the build you did of your reptile room, with the insulation and the heater it has in it there's NO way that room fluctuates that much with all that lol

Also, ok, your snakes can't tip their water bowls because i assume you're using the pvc cup links? The snakes could still piss or crap on the probe and mess it up.

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Originally Posted by tpkaos

But when you put it on the outside are you constantly checking the temps inside to make sure?

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

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No, of course not, there's no reason to once you set it up correctly.

My room does fluctuate temperatures quite a bit. It is really cold if I don't have the space heater on and I can't leave it running all day as it gets way too hot. So depending on how long I am out of the house, my temps can fluctuate up to 10 degrees especially with the days we've been having here in Toronto.

Would you still advice putting the probe outside in this situation?

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Originally Posted by tpkaos

My room does fluctuate temperatures quite a bit. It is really cold if I don't have the space heater on and I can't leave it running all day as it gets way too hot. So depending on how long I am out of the house, my temps can fluctuate up to 10 degrees especially with the days we've been having here in Toronto.

Would you still advice putting the probe outside in this situation?

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

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Yes, the whole point of the Tstat is to adjust the power going to your heat mat to attain the proper temp. I still use a heat gun for a sanity check once in a while, but once your enclosure is dialed in with a tstat you should be good to go. I use vision cages so they retain heat and humidity really well.

If the temp outside the cage changed the interior cage temp should be directly effected. The tstat should compensate for a temp change up or down and keep your hotspot at the set temp.

My big blood can flood her cage when she urinates which would be a pain to clean in that tube and would effect the tstat for awhile. She is also big enough that she has separated the thermometer probe every time I mount it to the hotspot. I used a method with a wire tube and hot glue and she removed it. I think the bread tie would stand little chance with her but if it actually held she may damage the tstat probe or wire.

I'm sure a ball is far less likely to rip it up but I still personally would not chance it. I don't believe that the temp fluctuates much between a uth and a cage bottom, especially if you have a good tstat. They are made to keep the temp the same.

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

What happens when the snake tips the water bowl onto it? The bread clip could be knocked off too, thats certainly not fool proof. I just feel that its a lot safer to keep it outside of the enclosure where the snake cant mess with it at all. If its outside the enclosure then the only way it can be messed with is by me. That tubing would also be a spot where snake piss or crap could get in and have to be cleaned or replaced. I just personally feel like its a lot of extra effort you're going to with no real benefit.

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You should have a water bowl heavy enough that it doesn't get tipped ;) I personally like Rickey's idea. It's very creative, although I can't see myself being so outgoing, LOL!

I have my probes on the inside - I don't find anything "wrong" about putting it on the outside, I just didn't hear about doing it that way until after I had mine all set up! But then I do think that the temperature could be a little off, since that is not where the snakes are. I also don't know how heat transfers through glass, so maybe it wouldn't even matgter.

I personally use painter's tape for the probes in both my snake's vives. I initially thought the substrate would maybe get under the tape and cause it to come unstuck, but so far it hasn't and I've been using the tape for a couple of months. To be fair my ball python doesn't dig too far under the substrate because there is a hide directly overtop it where he just hangs out, but my corn has not knocked hers off at all.
I also don't place the water bowls near the probes, just in case something were to happen when I was gone (thermostat malfunction) and the snakes needed a cool place to go, the water bowl is on the other side.


EDIT: After reading about a poster's snake who "floods the vive with urine", I would agree that where you place the probe will depend on the snake! :P That's a bit concerning though... I've never had a snake defecate so much at once that it didn't get soaked into the substrate...

I just saw the thread that created this spinoff. I think its a bad practice to give a newbie advice that could harm their snakes.

If having the probe under works fine for the majority of keepers why suggest a different option to a newbie?

I don't understand your theory here and see more cons than pros. Just the amount of slack the probe had could be an issue. What if the snake coils in a way that moved substrate under the probe or coils and gets the probe lifted above the cage floor with its tail? The tstat is going to run away thinking the temp has dropped and send the hotspot temp through the roof.

So mounting the probe inside you could have these issues. 1. Probe gets unplugged, 2. Water spills, 3. Urinate on probe, 4. Probe gets lifted, 5. Snake moves tube and probe, 6. Snake twist or breaks wires in probe making the sensor fail. While placing the probe outside you have 1. Probe gets unplugged, 2. ???? I'm out.

I have come home to a broken a/c and my tstats did as they should and lowered the power which lowered the temp. I don't see how you are having different results.

To each his own but I would never share advice that went against the common practice. Its risky business. You have been a keeper long enough and know alot but a person with less time in the hobby may not mount it as week as you have or use this method for a larger more powerful snake and do real harm to it.

My results with a broken a/c were the same in my glass tanks, pvc cages, and rack. All had the power reduced because the house was to hot.I use Herpstat.

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Originally Posted by NH93

You should have a water bowl heavy enough that it doesn't get tipped ;) I personally like Rickey's idea. It's very creative, although I can't see myself being so outgoing, LOL!

I have my probes on the inside - I don't find anything "wrong" about putting it on the outside, I just didn't hear about doing it that way until after I had mine all set up! But then I do think that the temperature could be a little off, since that is not where the snakes are. I also don't know how heat transfers through glass, so maybe it wouldn't even matgter.

I personally use painter's tape for the probes in both my snake's vives. I initially thought the substrate would maybe get under the tape and cause it to come unstuck, but so far it hasn't and I've been using the tape for a couple of months. To be fair my ball python doesn't dig too far under the substrate because there is a hide directly overtop it where he just hangs out, but my corn has not knocked hers off at all.
I also don't place the water bowls near the probes, just in case something were to happen when I was gone (thermostat malfunction) and the snakes needed a cool place to go, the water bowl is on the other side.


EDIT: After reading about a poster's snake who "floods the vive with urine", I would agree that where you place the probe will depend on the snake! :P That's a bit concerning though... I've never had a snake defecate so much at once that it didn't get soaked into the substrate...

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I agree that the placement can depend on the snake but still say outside is best. I have probes mounted inside cages. They are for rhp and there is no other way. One issue with large snakes is their water bowl. My almost 6 ft blood is way to big to offer a tub to soak so to give her more space I use a smaller water bowl because there is no reason to offer a big one that she still can't soak in. She could easily flip anything you placed in there. The truth is probably most snakes could flip their water if they really wanted.

A issue you have is the tape. I realize that painters tape is more safe than most but what about this. A snake leads with its face and explores with its nose. What if your snakes did root around and lift the tape a bit and get it lifted. It has the potential to cover their face, eyes, mouth, or nose. This could be enough to kill them by suffocation. Just because you found a different method late doesn't mean you should not apply it.

Have you ever seem how hard it is for a dog to remove a piece of tape from their snout? They have legs with paws and its still difficult. What can a snake do? Freak out, spin around, and get more tangled.

I personally find mounting a Tstat probe in the enclosure itself to be unsafe. If somehow the probe was damaged or pulled away from the hot spot by the animal, it would be reading the temps incorrectly and cause a heat spike to compensate for not sensing any heat.
Several people in this forum have burned their snakes, melted tubs, and even caused fires from Tstat probes that have been inside enclosures and dislodged from their tethered spot by the animal.
Why even risk that!?! Just seems like an unnecessary step to achieve the same thing with the probe as one being outside the enclosure, except it comes with higher risks.


NH93 uses a wood based substrate, where the probe can be buried and somewhat protected from physical movement of the animal. What about those who use paper substrate? I feel like tape and the like would not protect the probe very well. (not to mention tape shouldn't be in the enclosure with an animal regardless of adhesive strength)

Lastly, Spyder Robotics even state in their instruction manual to mount the probe outside of the enclosure and on the heating element directly.
And if you were to choose to put the probe inside an enclosure, they recommend not using an enclosure that is inhabited by an animal.

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Originally Posted by KMG

So mounting the probe inside you could have these issues. 1. Probe gets unplugged, 2. Water spills, 3. Urinate on probe, 4. Probe gets lifted, 5. Snake moves tube and probe, 6. Snake twist or breaks wires in probe making the sensor fail. While placing the probe outside you have 1. Probe gets unplugged, 2. ???? I'm out.

I have come home to a broken a/c and my tstats did as they should and lowered the power which lowered the temp. I don't see how you are having different results

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First I'll address your concerns and then follow with an alternative view. Before that, though, I'd like to discuss the parameters to put this into context.

The tubing used is 1/2" PEX that has been bonded to the enclosure using plastic epoxy. I painted it with plastic paint a darker colour so it would match my substrate. I am using a HERPSTAT 2, with 1 probe on each end of the enclosure (Both are installed in the same fashion). The thermostat probe enters into the enclosure from the rear. The probe is held in place with the bread tag, as you already know. (Please ask questions if you need to know any more about my setup).

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...98839703_n.jpg

Now your concerns.

1. Probe gets unplugged: There is slack on the probe cord behind the enclosure. If my snake were to somehow grab or get tangled in the probe it would have to drag the probe pretty far before it could pull out. In fact, I think the chances of this happening is very low.

2. Water spills: I have inquired with Drew if this will cause damage to the probe. Let's put this on hold till I hear back from the manufacturer of the thermostat.

3. Urinate on probe: As above with regards to liquid causing hardware damage. If you are speaking more towards the "dirt" aspect then it's not a concern at all. Just as I would expect all herpers to clean and disinfect their enclosures, I too would expect them to do that with everything inside the enclosure. If a snake urinates on the probe, I will clean, disinfect and dry it.

4. Probe gets lifted: If this happen then the temperature in that zone would increase. I tested this by lifting the probe so it faced straight up, and the resulting temperature increase was minimal. I also tested it by putting the probe above the substrate, and the floor of the enclosure once again did not increase by very much.

5. Snake moves tube and probe: The tube is not removable and the probe being moved I've addressed above.

6. Snake twist or breaks wires in probe making the sensor fail: Spyder Robotics probes are good quality. I cannot see my snake being able to do any damage at all to the cord. I am not saying it's not possible though - so yes, this is a valid concern, even if it is still not a major concern in my eyes.

An alternative is that this method works well.

My snakes enclosure is the exact correct temperature 365 days a year. If the thermostat probe it outside the enclosure then you need to tinker with it all year round...if you live in Toronto. What would happen if my snake lived in Toronto in a spare room? In winter the room can be 17 degrees Celsius and in the summer it could be 26 degrees [which is very possible in Toronto]. You would need to adjust the temperatures at least twice a year...no big deal. But, what if your room was 23 degrees during the day and 18 at night? (Like it is in my spare room, in Toronto). Would you be adjusting your thermostat every morning and night? Please explain to me how you would achieve a stable temperature inside with the outside temperature fluctuating throughout the day, every day?

What will I do though?

I will increase the tube all the way to the rear of the enclosure so that he cannot pull on the wire. Even though the chances now are tiny, I would rather they be eliminated. So thanks for that.

I will also cap the tube so that the probe cannot be moved, dirtied or become in contact with water. Thanks for that also.

My initial idea may not be perfect yet, but instead of saying "THAT'S BAD" How about saying.. "Try this, it will make your setup safer in my opinion".

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Originally Posted by KMG

I agree that the placement can depend on the snake but still say outside is best. I have probes mounted inside cages. They are for rhp and there is no other way. One issue with large snakes is their water bowl. My almost 6 ft blood is way to big to offer a tub to soak so to give her more space I use a smaller water bowl because there is no reason to offer a big one that she still can't soak in. She could easily flip anything you placed in there. The truth is probably most snakes could flip their water if they really wanted.

A issue you have is the tape. I realize that painters tape is more safe than most but what about this. A snake leads with its face and explores with its nose. What if your snakes did root around and lift the tape a bit and get it lifted. It has the potential to cover their face, eyes, mouth, or nose. This could be enough to kill them by suffocation. Just because you found a different method late doesn't mean you should not apply it.

Have you ever seem how hard it is for a dog to remove a piece of tape from their snout? They have legs with paws and its still difficult. What can a snake do? Freak out, spin around, and get more tangled.

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Yeah, I agree. Tape isn't a good idea.

I am still confused as to why you say having the probe on the outside of the enclosure requires you to mess with the settings. If your probe is directly on the heat source then it shouldn't matter. That is the point of the tstat to maintain a steady temp. So for arguement sake lets say you have the probe directly attached to the heat mat OUTSIDE the tank, and you set it to 92 degrees, you have a slight temp variance on the inside of the tank a few degrees off depending on material. Once you get it dialed in to the correct temp it will maintain that set temp. IF the temp drops in the room it will bump the power being delivered to that heat mat to again reach the temp you set it to, which in turn keeps the inside of the enclosure the same temp as before.

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Originally Posted by Rickys_Reptiles

Yeah, I agree. Tape isn't a good idea.

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I too agree, tape inside the enclosure is a no no.

I have the probe for my ceramic in my viv inside the vivarium and have the probes for my heat mats outside of the tubs as that is how it worked out. Thermostat probes for ceramics are generally inside the vivarium as they are set up by the shops here in the UK so I don't see an issue if experienced reptile stores set up with the probe inside...

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Originally Posted by Naom9Anne

I have the probe for my ceramic in my viv inside the vivarium and have the probes for my heat mats outside of the tubs as that is how it worked out. Thermostat probes for ceramics are generally inside the vivarium as they are set up by the shops here in the UK so I don't see an issue if experienced reptile stores set up with the probe inside...

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How are the probes for the ceramic attached and where are they located inside the viv? I am not doubting that it can be safely done, I am questions the validity of the statement that having it outside vs inside actually makes a difference as I have done an experiment with it myself and there was no effect one way or another, once it is dialed in it is dialed in. There is no effect with temp drops in the room and having the probe on the outside, the tstat will set the correct temp.

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Originally Posted by jclaiborne

I am still confused as to why you say having the probe on the outside of the enclosure requires you to mess with the settings. If your probe is directly on the heat source then it shouldn't matter. That is the point of the tstat to maintain a steady temp. So for arguement sake lets say you have the probe directly attached to the heat mat OUTSIDE the tank, and you set it to 92 degrees, you have a slight temp variance on the inside of the tank a few degrees off depending on material. Once you get it dialed in to the correct temp it will maintain that set temp. IF the temp drops in the room it will bump the power being delivered to that heat mat to again reach the temp you set it to, which in turn keeps the inside of the enclosure the same temp as before.

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Yeah that's true. I agree with your explanation that the probe outside should work just as well as inside to regulate the temperature correctly. I like having the probe inside, I suppose it's just a matter of what works for me and what works for you.

I am going to make the previously mentioned changes though, to ensure that having the probe inside is still safe.

It will always depend on what heat source I am using.

Belly heat - Outside the cage always

Overhead heat(RHP) - Inside the cage always(for obvious reasons)

With belly heat there isn't much fluctuation. In the Winter I set it to 99F and it will create a hotspot of 88-92F all Winter round. In the summer I set it to 93F and it will create the same basking spot. You just need to learn how to work with it and there isn't much more to it.

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Originally Posted by mikoh4792

It will always depend on what heat source I am using.

Belly heat - Outside the cage always

Overhead heat(RHP) - Inside the cage always(for obvious reasons)

With belly heat there isn't much fluctuation. In the Winter I set it to 99F and it will create a hotspot of 88-92F all Winter round. In the summer I set it to 93F and it will create the same basking spot. You just need to learn how to work with it and there isn't much more to it.

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Yes I did forget to say the exception would be for an RHP. Thank you for pointing that out.

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Originally Posted by jclaiborne

How are the probes for the ceramic attached and where are they located inside the viv? I am not doubting that it can be safely done, I am questions the validity of the statement that having it outside vs inside actually makes a difference as I have done an experiment with it myself and there was no effect one way or another, once it is dialed in it is dialed in. There is no effect with temp drops in the room and having the probe on the outside, the tstat will set the correct temp.

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They are fitted so that the cable is lodged through a specific spot at the top of the viv. It can not be pulled through and reaches from the top of the viv in the left hand corner to the bottom of the viv with a few inches so you can move the placement.

This isn't my viv (mine is a 3ft viv) but shows roughly where the probe is:

https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/...71557437_n.jpg

This is how viv probes are set up here in the UK for a viv with a ceramic :) Hope the pic helped as my explanation wasn't great!

Of course you need the probe inside the viv with a ceramic bulb :)

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Originally Posted by Naom9Anne

Of course you need the probe inside the viv with a ceramic bulb :)

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Oh wow so are they actually placing the bulbs inside the viv with a fixture? If so is there a protective "cage" wrapped around it?

An effective way of securing a probe inside an enclosure is using a zip tie. You can tie it down to a perch or on the wall.

http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7729b01b.jpg

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Originally Posted by jclaiborne

Oh wow so are they actually placing the bulbs inside the viv with a fixture? If so is there a protective "cage" wrapped around it?

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I'm guessing you don't use a viv for your enclosures. Ceramic is fitted inside the cage with a guard around it to stop the snake from getting anywhere near it and getting burnt.

A few pictures I found on google as this forum sometimes doesn't let me post my own photos.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/image...sBeWMfUQhAwP/Z

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/i...gvvdMjKH9fUOvQ

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...eplJCB8USbihiL

Hope these help clear up the confusion. My probe is threaded through the same part as the bulb wire and hangs down like the previous picture I posted earlier :)

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Originally Posted by Naom9Anne

I'm guessing you don't use a viv for your enclosures. Ceramic is fitted inside the cage with a guard around it to stop the snake from getting anywhere near it and getting burnt.

A few pictures I found on google as this forum sometimes doesn't let me post my own photos.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/image...sBeWMfUQhAwP/Z

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/i...gvvdMjKH9fUOvQ

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...eplJCB8USbihiL

Hope these help clear up the confusion. My probe is threaded through the same part as the bulb wire and hangs down like the previous picture I posted earlier :)

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I use a viv (vision cage) I live in Southern California so there is not need for a ceramic heater. I use a heat pad and I am good to go. I have seen Lizard cages like that, but again not for ceramics just a heat bulb.

We have the choice of a ceramic bulb or an infra-red bulb when buying a viv out here. Both come with guards like this. Personally I prefer my tubs with heat mats but I got the viv set up with my first BP before I'd discovered it wasn't really necessary. My BP in the viv doesn't eat as well as my BP in the tub (not sure if this is due to the enclosure or just the different snakes but I love my tubs) My viv is aesthetically pleasing but give me a tub any day!


Also it is really bloomin' cold here! It's cold most of the year actually ;)

I am not worried about fluids causing damage to the probe. The issue is having liquid lowering the temp of the probe which will then ramp the power and cause the cage to over heat.

I had a similar setup going along the back wall in my pvc cages. I ran the wire from my Accurite unit to keep the wire out of the way. Both my big blood and my brb got through the wire and pulled the tube and wire down. I never thought my big lazy blood would have done it but she did.

I think it is a good idea to extend the tube to the back wall. You have a good idea with what you did and it could be very beneficial in some cages I'm sure.

For those of you that have a rhp you need to be careful with placing the probe under it in a position where you snake could lay on it. For example if I placed the probe on the perch for my gtp and she covers it the tstat will think it needs more heat and will increase the power and make the cage to hot. Now some do use this and have not had an issue but the potential is there.

I found by super gluing the probe into a cable strap and then gluing the cable strap to the rim of the rhp really worked well for me.

http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/...psbd2f41b7.jpg

I'm completely new to snakes,but not to having common sense..my snake lives inside the enclosure,so I place the thermostat probe to the bottom center of the heat mat and a thermometer probe on the inside the tank ( where my snake lives) and dead center of the pad.. Now unless u have a really thin thermostat probe then you can place it in between the pad and glass,but some have thicker probes and well u can't put them I between cause it wouldn't keep the pad flat to the bottom of the tank,so it's pointless..It's all common sense stuff,not rocket science. That's IMO.. My first 2 snakes and I have worked with my temps and humidity and done many things to get it to work and asked for little to no help. Did some reading,used MY BRAIN and. Common sense and ,that's that...simple man

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Originally Posted by KMG

I am not worried about fluids causing damage to the probe. The issue is having liquid lowering the temp of the probe which will then ramp the power and cause the cage to over heat.

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Yes, this is what i was referring to. I don't think water spilled on the probe would damage it, just mess up the temps.

Ricky, have you ever checked your snakes with a temp gun? Like the temp of the actual snake? I have my hot spot set to 90. When the 86 degree snake lays on the probe then its gunna send more heat thinking it needs to be hotter when it doesn't.

Also, i'm not sure the temp of the room would effect where the probe is so much. The probe is right under the tub, in a groove, towards the back of the rack. The temp where the probe is compared to the temp inside the tub through a few millimeters of plastic can't be significantly different.

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Originally Posted by NYHC4LIFE8899

I'm completely new to snakes,but not to having common sense..my snake lives inside the enclosure,so I place the thermostat probe to the bottom center of the heat mat and a thermometer probe on the inside the tank ( where my snake lives) and dead center of the pad.. Now unless u have a really thin thermostat probe then you can place it in between the pad and glass,but some have thicker probes and well u can't put them I between cause it wouldn't keep the pad flat to the bottom of the tank,so it's pointless..It's all common sense stuff,not rocket science. That's IMO.. My first 2 snakes and I have worked with my temps and humidity and done many things to get it to work and asked for little to no help. Did some reading,used MY BRAIN and. Common sense and ,that's that...simple man

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I just saw you said the UTH is inside the tank. THATS DEAD WRONG!!!! WHY DO YOU THINK THATS THE CORRECT WAY?

Being new to snakes you should spend some time and see that most long time keepers place the probes for uth's outside the cages. This is because they have learned through trial and error and outside is by far the safest way to set it up.

Like it was already said even Spyderobotics even tells you to place the probe outside the cage.

I have personally tried both ways and I had issues with the probes in the tank but not once have I had an issue with the probe on the outside.

I have one of those acu-rite indoor out door thermometer. Any suggestions on where to place the probe?

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Originally Posted by KMG

I just saw you said the UTH is inside the tank. THATS DEAD WRONG!!!! WHY DO YOU THINK THATS THE CORRECT WAY?

Being new to snakes you should spend some time and see that most long time keepers place the probes for uth's outside the cages. This is because they have learned through trial and error and outside is by far the safest way to set it up.

Like it was already said even Spyderobotics even tells you to place the probe outside the cage.

I have personally tried both ways and I had issues with the probes in the tank but not once have I had an issue with the probe on the outside.

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the UTH is on the outside of the tank and the probe is on the outside of the pad..the thermometer is inside the tank..instead of running your mouth just to run it just to oppose my comment ,don't be a fool,READthe comment and then post :) No where do I state that it's inside the tank and only a retard would put it in tank or tv vk I won do so...pictures on the box are clear enough where it goes,lol

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Originally Posted by mrht07

I have one of those acu-rite indoor out door thermometer. Any suggestions on where to place the probe?

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Unit goes in the cool side. Probe goes on the hot side.

So the minimum temp reads the cool end and the max temp reads the hot side.

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Originally Posted by satomi325

Unit goes in the cool side. Probe goes on the hot side.

So the minimum temp reads the cool end and the max temp reads the hot side.

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Do I put in on the inside or outside?

Inside

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Originally Posted by Crazymonkee

Inside

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Maybe a stupid Question but does the monitor go on the inside as well?

Yes it does

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Originally Posted by mrht07

Maybe a stupid Question but does the monitor go on the inside as well?

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Yes on the cool side of the tank

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Originally Posted by NYHC4LIFE8899

my snake lives inside the enclosure,so I place the thermostat probe to the bottom center of the heat mat and a thermometer probe on the inside the tank ( where my snake lives) and dead center of the pad..

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Originally Posted by NYHC4LIFE8899

well u ain't the sharpest tool in the shed...the UTH is on the outside of the tank and the probe is on the outside of the pad..the thermometer is inside the tank..instead of running your mouth just to run it just to oppose my comment ,don't be a fool,READthe comment and then post :) No where do I state that it's inside the tank and only a retard would put it in tank or tv vk I won do so...pictures on the box are clear enough where it goes,lol

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Im not trying to "run my mouth" and I have no reason to "oppose" your comment. I was trying to help you out. The way you wrote it makes it sound like everything is inside the tank(where your snake lives). There was a better way to write it. You need to remember we are not in your mind and while clear to you, it was not.

Maybe: I placed the tstat probe to the bottom center of the uth under the tank and then I have a thermometer probe on the inside of the tank over the uth.

Your post have errors and it makes it difficult to read and fully get what your trying to say. You leave our mind to fix and edit your lines to what we think you are trying to say. Like this "only a retard would put it in tank or tv vk I won do so." Slow down so you make sure to get your point across.

Take more time with your post and read it yourself before posting. This will save everybody a bit of confusion and maybe you wont have to snap back.

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Originally Posted by NYHC4LIFE8899

I'm completely new to snakes,but not to having common sense..my snake lives inside the enclosure,so I place the thermostat probe to the bottom center of the heat mat and a thermometer probe on the inside the tank ( where my snake lives) and dead center of the pad.. Now unless u have a really thin thermostat probe then you can place it in between the pad and glass,but some have thicker probes and well u can't put them I between cause it wouldn't keep the pad flat to the bottom of the tank,so it's pointless..It's all common sense stuff,not rocket science. That's IMO.. My first 2 snakes and I have worked with my temps and humidity and done many things to get it to work and asked for little to no help. Did some reading,used MY BRAIN and. Common sense and ,that's that...simple man

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Actually, its pad................ probes.............. glass.
You really need to drop your attitude and name calling.
FYI we can see the edits too.

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Originally Posted by KMG

I agree that the placement can depend on the snake but still say outside is best. I have probes mounted inside cages. They are for rhp and there is no other way. One issue with large snakes is their water bowl. My almost 6 ft blood is way to big to offer a tub to soak so to give her more space I use a smaller water bowl because there is no reason to offer a big one that she still can't soak in. She could easily flip anything you placed in there. The truth is probably most snakes could flip their water if they really wanted.

A issue you have is the tape. I realize that painters tape is more safe than most but what about this. A snake leads with its face and explores with its nose. What if your snakes did root around and lift the tape a bit and get it lifted. It has the potential to cover their face, eyes, mouth, or nose. This could be enough to kill them by suffocation. Just because you found a different method late doesn't mean you should not apply it.

Have you ever seem how hard it is for a dog to remove a piece of tape from their snout? They have legs with paws and its still difficult. What can a snake do? Freak out, spin around, and get more tangled.

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Hmmm wouldn't that be something.
Thank you for the insight (sincerely) but I really don't see that happening. I'm not saying it's impossible... I just... ya.


Like I said, this is just how I do it and it works for me. No it won't work for everyone, but then again I never promised it would :P I don't know why some individuals are getting conspicuous about it is all.

I thought the OP started an intriguing thread, but it quickly turned to a matter of ego and "who is right" - at least from my own perspective... so I'm going to respectfully duck out of this thread.

OP, I don't get your statement about temp swings affecting the thermostat. If you were dealing with a RHEOSTAT (which doesn't measure temp but just controls the output of electricity) I'd be on the same page. I initially had my tank on a rheo but my room is way to drafty- a heat setting that works in the (cold!) morning is too hot for a warmer afternoon which is then too cold for the chilly evenings. At my parents, my old rheo lives on Talis secondary tub and as the location isnt as drafty I can leave it and its ok with minimal babying.
My room-between having a heater on and just chill in the room- can fluctuate in heat a lot. My hot spot, with the probe outside on the pad, doesnt. It will go between 90-92 degrees. The thermostat turns off the pad if it gets too hot and turns it in if it gets to cold. I've never had an issue with the probe getting cold and giving a weird setting.

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Originally Posted by sunshinenorcas

OP, I don't get your statement about temp swings affecting the thermostat. If you were dealing with a RHEOSTAT (which doesn't measure temp but just controls the output of electricity) I'd be on the same page. I initially had my tank on a rheo but my room is way to drafty- a heat setting that works in the (cold!) morning is too hot for a warmer afternoon which is then too cold for the chilly evenings. At my parents, my old rheo lives on Talis secondary tub and as the location isnt as drafty I can leave it and its ok with minimal babying.
My room-between having a heater on and just chill in the room- can fluctuate in heat a lot. My hot spot, with the probe outside on the pad, doesn't. It will go between 90-92 degrees. The thermostat turns off the pad if it gets too hot and turns it in if it gets to cold. I've never had an issue with the probe getting cold and giving a weird setting.

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See post #20

I got an answer from Spyder Robotics with regards to the probe, so I figured I would post it for those who are interested:

Question: The probes for the herpstats, how water proof are they? If a bowl of water or urine gets on the probe will it cause damage?


Answer: I’ve pulled them apart before and the plastic molding seems to be well sealed around the cable and up to the sensor so you should have no problems.


Dion Brewington
Owner, Spyder Robotics LLC
http://www.spyderrobotics.com

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Originally Posted by Rickys_Reptiles

I got an answer from Spyder Robotics with regards to the probe, so I figured I would post it for those who are interested:

Question: The probes for the herpstats, how water proof are they? If a bowl of water or urine gets on the probe will it cause damage?


Answer: I’ve pulled them apart before and the plastic molding seems to be well sealed around the cable and up to the sensor so you should have no problems.


Dion Brewington
Owner, Spyder Robotics LLC
http://www.spyderrobotics.com

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Thats good to know and thanks for posting the response, but thats still not what was being questioned...

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

Thats good to know and thanks for posting the response, but thats still not what was being questioned...

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Yeah, I know. But it was good info, so I figured I'd share it.

Oh ok... I'm confused lol.