Accu-Rite probe wires

I have 3 Accu-Rites, and have figured out something annoying about them. Since it is a sin to use tape inside of an inclosure, how am I supposed to keep the probe and probe wires secure to the bottom of the tank? The adhesive that comes on the probe lasts for about 3 days, and then it just flops around. Any tips? I'd really like to hide the wires as much as possible under the aspen bedding.

I use the edge of the hides to hold them down (or whatever is close by, water bowl or something).

I've done that with the probes, but it doesn't always work so well. Is there any way that I can safely use tape or something else inside the tank?

I wrap a piece of velcro around the base of the probe, then stick the other side of the velcro to the tank. I added a tiny elastic around the velcro to keep it wrapped around the wire/bottom of the probe (the elastics I had to use when I had braces) That velcro can take quite a beating and not come unstuck. Mine has been washed, covered in substrate, peed on and not come unstuck:)

Velcro is an excellent idea that I hadn't thought of.. for some reason. Thanks!

I use low stick painters blue tape. I have used it for years on 30-50 snakes enclosures and have never had a problem. Even if it was to get on a snake it wouldn't stick very well and will come off without doing any harm. I tape the probe to the bottom of the tub over heating element and then put my newspaper over it. I have never had a problem. I am a contractor and use it all the time on many different delicate surfaces. I would never use any normal typr of adhesive tape. I costs alot more than regular tape but one roll lasts along time since you only need a small piece.

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Originally Posted by West Coast Jungle

I use low stick painters blue tape. I have used it for years on 30-50 snakes enclosures and have never had a problem. Even if it was to get on a snake it wouldn't stick very well and will come off without doing any harm. I tape the probe to the bottom of the tub over heating element and then put my newspaper over it. I have never had a problem. I am a contractor and use it all the time on many different delicate surfaces. I would never use any normal typr of adhesive tape. I costs alot more than regular tape but one roll lasts along time since you only need a small piece.

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Hmm, another type of tape I can enjoy;) (oh boy was I amused when I bought aluminum tape for the first time:))

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Originally Posted by missi182

Hmm, another type of tape I can enjoy;) (oh boy was I amused when I bought aluminum tape for the first time:))

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its not as pretty as aluminum tape;)

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Originally Posted by West Coast Jungle

its not as pretty as aluminum tape;)

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Is it actually blue!? Because my tank liner is blue:D ha! It can match:)

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Originally Posted by missi182

Is it actually blue!? Because my tank liner is blue:D ha! It can match:)

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Yep:gj:

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Originally Posted by West Coast Jungle

Yep:gj:

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Yipee!!:banana:

I've found that the aluminum tape not only sticks to anything, it doesn't come off like duct tape and others.

If velcro (great idea!) or the painter's tape doesn't work, a small piece of aluminum tape will hold it down and has less risk of coming loose.

I like the low stick painters tape idea the best I think, that way I could easily secure the entire wire. I think I'll stick the probe to the glass, then place a layer of newspaper, and then my aspen. That way even if he does burrow he will get the the newspaper instead of the probe, wires, and tape. Thanks for the tips!

Hi,

People have also recomended hot glue guns - they say it will come off easily enough when you want it to as well. :)


dr del

I use velcro to attach my thermo/hydrometers and suction cups to attach the end of my air purifier.

I've used a tiny piece of aluminum tape to hold the wire down and have never had any problems. I use the smallest piece I can get away with, and it stays stuck.

so if you are all using tape inside the enclosure, why is it always advised not to?

Hi,

Because a lot of people do not differentiate between "low tack" tape such as painters tape and the more commonly found types like duct tape and gaffa tape.

I (personally) would not use the aluminium tape either because, while I understand the point about it being so adhesive it rarely lifts at the corners etc I also realise that means if it ever did it would be just as reluctant to come unstuck from my snakes delicate skin.

In situations like this I feel that a little prevention is a far better thing than being in a panic to find a cure later.

If you need me to I will go find a post I compiled a while ago about snakes that became entagled in tape and the problems that they suffered - I stopped adding to it at 17 snakes. :(

The reason I keep "banging on" ( :P ) about tape inside cages is it hopefully makes people pause for a minute and consider how much of a danger it is with their materials and design.

Hope this made sense.


dr del

I also use the low stick blue painters tape.

You can get it at walmart in the tape aisle. Or any other hardware related store. Its painters tape for DELICATE SURFACES.

I'm also a carpenter and use it at work. Good stuff with very low adhesion.

Well, I don't suggest suction cups:

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...1/9/climb3.JPG
(Check out my gallery for more picts like this. Silly acrobat Salzedo!)

Anyhoo... I've had luck with running the wire under the paper (brown parcel paper) I use as a base under the substrate. After the paper is in place I poke a small hole in it wherever I want the probe anchored and push the probe and about an inch of wire through. Then I put the substrate over it and all is well. :gj: Even if the wire gets moved around a bit, it is not enough to dislodge the probe. At least, it has not been thus far, and Salzedo can be feisty, especially around feeding day!

I also suggest giving the probe wire some slack in the cage so even if the snake crawls behind it, it won't be pulled or dislodged. You can also pull a little more of the wire through so that the probe can sit on TOP of the substrate, if that is your wish.

Here is a diagram I made:

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../anchoring.jpg

I hope this helps.