UTH Size In 40 Gallon Breeder Tank?

Hey Guys,

I have a 40 gallon breeder tank, 36 x 18 x 16 (LxWxH). It's in my finished basement in its own room about 10' x 5'. I don't have a snake yet as I'm setting up the tank first and want everything to be stable before getting one. I originally bought a large UTH for my tank, which was rated for a 50-60 gallon tank, its dimensions were 8" x 18". I coupled this with a lamp above as well, bought all different watt bulbs so I will have one that's just right and could change them out depending on the temperature outside or in my basement. was using 60-75 watt bulbs with the large UTH and temps on cool side of tank were around 85-87 and on the hot side around 94. I have the UTH hooked up to a thermostat. Thought it might have been too hot, so I got rid of the large UTH and got the Medium instead, rated for 30-40 gallons, which is 6" smaller (picture below) so it is 8" x 12". So far with a 75 watt bulb it is 79 on cool side and 87 on hot side (its morning right now) and will probably get to like 81 on cool side and 92 on hot side. Problem is winter is coming and will probably get cooler. So from what I described and with the picture below, do you think the Medium sized UTH is big enough for my tank? Or should I get the Large sized one back? The large one would come out to where the red line is marked on the picture. Haven't dealt with humidity yet since I haven't put the substrate in the tank yet, I'm waiting for my 3d rock background to come in the mail. Without anything in the tank, humidity with the large UTH was around 50-55, with the medium now its around 40-50, grated its also less humid in my basement now since it's been cooler outside. I'm just flip flopping and think I should have just stuck with the large UTH. Let me know what you guys think.

http://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/...psyoyvmdkr.jpg

And if I get the large can just hook it up to a rheostat to dim it if need be, as well as have thermostat. Or do you think I'm fine with the medium size?

I currently own 3 bp's. 2 are in a 20L with uth for 20 gal, 75 watt day bulb and a 60 watt night bulb. Temps stay steady give or take depending on outside temp. Bedding use either aspen or cypress, holds moisture better. I use a mixture of aspen shavings mixed with coconut fiber. Cover I have half acrylic and half screen to help trap humidity and heat.

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Thanks, yea i have about 3/4 of the screen lid covered with plexi. My questions was more of is the medium size UTH alright, or should I go back to the Larger sized one and use a rheostat/thermostat if it too hot for now. Im worried that the medium won't be enough come winter. Based on my temps I supplied using the two, what do you think. I can return the medium and get the large back no problem, or should I just stick with the medium.

Stick with the medium with thermostat. Larger one will heat more area and give less cold area.

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Alright, I'm just worrying about winter time. Would be able to control the large size with rheostat if it ends up being too hot. Worried medium won't be hot enough. Aside from the size difference, the large was also a higher wattage as well.

I live where it's jacket/coat weather all year round. I hate the cold myself so understand the concern. Uth no matter the size will produce 100 plus degree temps without thermostat and over head heat. If there is a draft or vent close to cage, that will affect temps also.

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Yea, there's a whole in the wall in my garage that leads to the snake/fish room, so probably a draft, will need to close it up. I guess if need be I could also just put a space heater in that room to keep the room temp constant. I just read the UTH should be 1/3 the tank? Since the 40 gallon breeder has more floor space than a standard 40 gallon, the medium isn't quite covering 1/3.

P.S. I also think too much haha

I never looked up a uth other than if thermostat was needed or not. I was over thinking and stressing myself out over a previous BP purchase. Traded that one pretty much for a different one.

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The smaller one seems to be producing the perfect heat range at the moment (just a bit more spot on than the larger one). That being said...with winter coming the temps will drop a bit and the larger UTH will most likely be the one that’s spot on. All things considered (size of the tank, time of year, the test that you've done, not adding substrate yet, etc) I would suggest the larger one. Seems like a nice set up you've got started, I’m interested to see the 3D background so post some pics if you have the time!

Also with a space heater you are heating ambient temp and may raise the temp on hot side. You may want to use a 60 watt bulb both day n night. But if space heater is self regulated, no worries with using 75 watt day bulb cause temp is still regulated with thermostat.

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Thanks, Yea I'm thinking about getting the larger one back, return the medium, returning the thermostat I bought, and just drop some $ on a herpstat to control it so it doesn't get too hot. And will post pictures when it's all set up! Breeder told me my baby mojave I've been waiting for just hatched 2 nights ago too, can't wait.

Sounds like a plan my friend

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Reordered a Large one and found a much cheaper Helix Thermostat on Ebay, winning. Will let you guys know how it goes when all setup. 3D background is being delivered on Monday.

Uth do not do anything for ambient temps. The smaller one was fine the uth is to provide a hot spot and thats it

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Originally Posted by frostysBP

Uth do not do anything for ambient temps. The smaller one was fine the uth is to provide a hot spot and thats it

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Mine definitely has an effect on ambient temps and aids to heat the tank. With the UTH off, temps drop.

Will have an affect on ambient heat till covered with substrate. Then you will see an even more decrease of ambient heat.

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Originally Posted by locolobito

Will have an affect on ambient heat till covered with substrate. Then you will see an even more decrease of ambient heat.

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Makes sense, didn't think of that. All the more reason to get the large for winter. And with the Helix I'll be able to control both the UTH and the lamps. So we will see. Will post back.

Reason for uth is to keep hide warm and slightly humid and snakes use belly heat for digestion. Ambient heat is mainly for humidity purposes. How it was explained to me.

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Forgot to ask, are you getting a baby or an adult? Small snake in large enclosure equals stress for snake and you.

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Baby, Already had the 40 breeder due to fish and it's new, didn't want to go out and spend more money on a smaller tank. Probably going to try and section off the tank and move as it grows to compensate, unless there is a better alternative. The tank is mounted in the wall to be viewed from the other side.

You can section it or clutter it up a little bit for it to feel secure.

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Yea, have plants galore, bonsai tree hide, wooden log hide, hollow log, and more orchid grass/turtle grass waiting to go in when I get the background, so I'll gauge from there. Will be plenty of coverage/clutter I think.

Sounds like it.

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Sounds nice I look forward to seeing what you did.

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Originally Posted by Lady mkrj58

Sounds nice I look forward to seeing what you did.

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Here are a few shots of the tank. Still need to move some things around.

http://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/...pssyc0ouj0.jpg

http://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/...pslqvmjcxg.jpg

http://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/...psizgqjeyg.jpg