Dimmer switch with UTH

Hello again!
I was wondering if it is possible to use a standard dimmer switch (One that regulates amount of electricity going into an object) with a Zoo Med UTH?
Would it work as I expect it should, as in would the temperature of the UTH go down if the dimmer switch is put at low dim?
Thanks,
HenryTheSnake

Yes, but watch the temperatures carefully as they will fluctuate depending on room temperature. I used a lamp dimmer switch for my very first snake rack (now using herpstats). I now use that dimmer switch for my corn snake who lives in a terrarium. Many people should not suggest it, but for one animal, it makes sense and I have had no issues at all using a lamp dimmer switch.

Yes but how much is your time worth to keep it regulated?

http://www.amazon.com/MTPRTC-ETL-Cer...ermostat+plant

You are going to spend $5-$10 on a dimmer and continually adjust it when the temperatures in the room change.
These are not the greatest but hard to beat for $33.
I have a couple that have been going fine for a couple years.

I have had trouble with those not getting hot enough.

Yes, dimmer switches work quite well. Here is a link to a guide I wrote showing how to wire one up.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...r-cheap-skates

^^ Great write up but you could just buy an in line dimmer switch for $12 from home depot and save yourself all the wiring (even though it's quite basic wiring).

I know that, but I like doing things for myself. I also don't really like the way those plug in types are designed where you have to plug the heating unit into the back of the plug on the dimmer.

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Originally Posted by bigSAK

^^ Great write up but you could just buy an in line dimmer switch for $12 from home depot and save yourself all the wiring (even though it's quite basic wiring).

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Not suggested. You will instantly loose half of the uth's heating capacity.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kris Mclaughlin

Not suggested. You will instantly loose half of the uth's heating capacity.

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???? Where did you hear that? And isn't moderating the output of the heating device pretty much the reason for a rheostat or thermostat?

I'm not sure I understand what you're saying.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HenryTheSnake

I have had trouble with those not getting hot enough.

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Please explain??

Is it possible? Yes

Do I recommend it? Not for the long term, I use this http://www.lowes.com/pd_70717-539-TT...d=3189447&pl=1 for QT but that is it.

Unless you have a room that has very stable temps YOU will have to do what a thermostat does for you, you will have to consistently adjust the temps.

So take that in consideration is saving the money really that worth it or would you rather have consistent temps and piece of mind especially considering how long your animal will live.

I was using a Jump Start Hydrofarm thermostat, and it said that the UTH was at 108* but the surface of the glass was 101*, which seems like too big of a loss over glass.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HenryTheSnake

I was using a Jump Start Hydrofarm thermostat, and it said that the UTH was at 108* but the surface of the glass was 101*, which seems like too big of a loss over glass.

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Its not ;)

Also, putting the thermostat probe between the glass and the UTH causes a huge bulge in the UTH, and it slowly starts to peel back. What should I do about it? Are there any thermostats with flat probes (As flat as possible)?

The VEs have a smaller probe but its still wont be a problem.
If you manage to get the UTH off without damaging it you want to cover the sticky side with foil tape. (glue to glue side)
Then use foil tape along the edge to reapply it to the bottom of the tank.

Thanks for the fast reply!
Say I get a new UTH as to not risk removing it, should I still cover the sticky side with foil tape? What would this achieve? Would I put the probe in between the foil tape and the UTH, or in between the non sticky foil tape and the underside of the tank?

Thank you,
HenryTheSnake

It makes the mat easily removable. the probe would still go between the glass and mat.

Would the heat go down or up with the foil tape?

neither.

Also, I currently have a 20 gallon glass terrarium for my 5 month old ball python. What are the best and cheapest alternatives that would work better for heating and humidity. I must be able to use a UTH on them though.
Thanks,
HenryTheSnake

Sorry my data froze up for some reason had to re boot phone.

About the dimmer cords. I have a few of the white ones. You plug your uth directly into the back of the dimmer plug. The end of the cords are a slider switch. Even wide open none of them will let any of my heat mats go above 75-78.

So be wary of lamp dimmers some of them are total poo.

Good ol fashioned zoo med analog rheostats are still dirt cheap and reliable.