Help!! I can't get the temps right

I have a 15 quart plastic tub, with a 10 to 20 gallon repti therm uth. It's plugged into a heat mat thermostat. I have the uth heater foil taped to the bottom of one side with the probe between the heater and the bottom. It's currently set for the max temperature of 100 degrees, I have a probe thermometer on the inside of the tub hot spot. The highest temp I've gotten is 82 degrees. My humidity is good, I just can't get the temp to 90 inside the hide

Is the thermometer probe directly on the tub floor or over the substrate? What are you using for a substrate?

If you have tested with other thermometers to make sure this reading is accurate, then just up the temp on your thermostat.

Where are you measuring your temp inside.
You should be on the floor under everything

Thermometer probe is on floor under substrate (cypress mulch) my thermostat max temp is 100 degrees and that's what it's set at now

Have you tried readings with other thermometers to verify if the one you are using currently is correct?

Yes, 2 different probe thermometer s

Does the thermostat show that heat and power are being applied at all times. That moght show that your heat mat cant get to the temps you need through the bottom of the viv. I don't really know what to say mate.

Power light is on all the time but it doesn't stay in heat mode all the time.

What brand of tstat is this you're using? Is it not for herps?

I put the sensor on the inside of the tub over the heat pad. It works!

You are very difficult to help since you refuse to answer questions and respond to those trying to help. Im done. Good luck.

I have answered all questions. I do have it working now. Thank you for your help

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Originally Posted by KMG

What brand of tstat is this you're using? Is it not for herps?

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No, you didn't. Im glad its working for you. What was the issue?

If you look back earlier comments you will see that I did respond to every one question. I put the thermostat probe on the inside of the tub. Instead of between the heat mat and the tub.

Ok, but why do you refuse to say what kind of tstat you are using?

You realize that placing the tstat probe inside the tub is incorrect?

Placing it inside allows the snake to get to it, yes they can burrow, and move it. If the snake moves the probe the tstat will think the hotspot is to cold and run up the temp and could burn your snake. It also will send the tstat ramping up the power or keep it on constantly if the water bowl is spilled or the snake urinates on it. Placing the probe inside the tub is wrong and needs to be removed before harm is done.

So back to this tstat. What is it?

Super Sprouter Seedling Heat Mat Thermostat is what I'm using to control heat. Probe is foil taped down

Having tape inside the tub is another BIG NO, NO. You need to remove the probe and any and all tape from inside the tub. Foil tape is extremely sticky and it your snake burrows and manages to get the tape stuck to its body you are most certainly going to lose some scales at the very least.

I have seen snakes get into tape far less adhesive than foil tape and rip their skin off their body causing a large wound.

Sticking probes inside a cage can be done with hot glue but it should never be done with tape. That said the tstat probe still should not be inside the tub.

If you don't believe me search the forum and google pics of snakes stuck to tape. Its not pretty.

As for the tstat Im sure its along the line of a Hydrofarm and therefor a cheap non herp rated tstat. They can work but when you buy cheap you get cheap. Those kind of tstats are highly unreliable and can give much different reading from unit to unit. I think you would not be having the temp issue with a better tstat.