T-stat question...

[ODoyle90]

So I got my new thermostat today and couldn't be more excited. It's the BAH 1000DC model from Big Apple Herp. Well it's all plugged in and set to what I want, but this is where my question comes into play.

After having it set for a couple hours, the surface temp is hovering at about 81-83 (hot side). The probe was placed on the glass above the UTH, and the temp on the thermostat was set to 93. My question is this: How do you get the UTH to appropriately heat through the substrate and get to the desired temperatures? I currently use aspen bedding, which is about 2" deep.

Extra Credit:
I recently bought a 40 gal breeder tank from the petco $1/gal sale. I haven't moved from my 20L yet, since I was waiting until I move next month. I have already bought the larger UTH and all, but was wondering if anyone out there who uses the 40 gal tank would be able to tell me what wattage bulb you use to maintain the cool side and ambient temps.

Thanks all!!!

[CatandDiallo]

The only thing I can suggest is to thin out your substrate.
2" is a bit excessive, in my opinion. Some of the heat is probably getting lost through that thickness.

[kitedemon]

I use very little substrate inside the hot hide maybe 1/8 inch or less but pile it around the outside. That is likely what the issue you have is.

[rperry03]

What they said ^^^ The snake might burrow into the substrate on the glass

How long is a 40 gal breeder? The taller it is the harder it will be to heat and I have never seen any of my balls want to climb. A 60 watt ceramic heat emitter adjusted she work great with the 20l and a 100 or 160 with the 40 breeder.

Don't know what size bulb, I don't use bulbs and in my opinion che's are the way to go if you need more ambient heat.

[llovelace]

In order to reach your desired temps inside the enclosure, you will have to raise the temp on the thermostat. Make sure your thermometer is placed properly.

[ODoyle90]

Thinning out the substrate was my first thought. I just used the whole bag of aspen I got from the store (8 quart?). I'm going to pull some out and put it on the cool side or just toss it. I figure that and toggling the temp on the t-stat should do the trick.

Don't know what size bulb, I don't use bulbs and in my opinion che's are the way to go if you need more ambient heat.

I was banking on going with the ceramic bulbs for the new tank. Thanks for the ballpark for wattage.

And the 40 breeder tank is 36Lx18Wx16H

[Rickys_Reptiles]

Your substrate is way too deep.

Most Ball Pythons will end up moving the substrate and laying directly on the glass, so ignore the temps on the top of your substrate and concentrate on the temp. of the glass.

Goodluck!

[ODoyle90]

Most Ball Pythons will end up moving the substrate and laying directly on the glass, so ignore the temps on the top of your substrate and concentrate on the temp. of the glass.

That makes sense to me. This whole substrate nonsense is quite a pain. In the last day or so, I've contemplated switching to newspaper. Definitely when I switch my tanks, but I was thinking about switching in the next day or so. Yay for progress!

[kitedemon]

I personally don't like newpaper it is too much work to do a full clean every time anyone makes a mess. I like spot cleaning... Sometimes I am too fussy for my own good.