Acurite probe and hot spot

[MissterDog]

So I noticed the manual to my Acurite states the probe is weather proof and water resistant notwater proof. I'm sure it's fine but it makes me wonder if my bp decides to pee or poo on it, would it damaged the probe at all?

Currently I have my probe monitoring the hot spot above the substrate (I'm using a rhp) but I'm considering putting in inside his hot hide. I assume it would be more important to monitor the inside temp of his hide rather than the surface of his hide? Or should I make sure the surface of his hide doesn't exceed 92? Or would 95 (according to my temp gun) be acceptable since the inside and substrate surface is 91-92.

Thanks in advance!

[tttaylorrr]

are you using the RHP as the sole heat source? or are you using a UTH as well?

with my T8 i have the RHP thermostat probe hanging about 2 inches above the substrate, not directly under the RHP but as close as i can get, and the RHP is centered in the enclosure. it keeps the enclosure around 80° at all times, though right underneath it can get up to 85° or so, measured with a temp gun.

[MissterDog]

are you using the RHP as the sole heat source? or are you using a UTH as well?

with my T8 i have the RHP thermostat probe hanging about 2 inches above the substrate, not directly under the RHP but as close as i can get, and the RHP is centered in the enclosure. it keeps the enclosure around 80° at all times, though right underneath it can get up to 85° or so, measured with a temp gun.

Just the RHP but I'm considering adding a uth. I have my Tstat probe hanging a few inches under it along the wall. I was originally going to ziptie it closer to the substrate (same 2-3 inches)but I was recommended to have it higher and further away to avoid having it peed on to mess with readings.

So far I've had it like that for the past 10 days and it's been working well but if you think the peeing won't be an issue do you think I should try having it lower?

I admit I'm also worried about the scenario of "what if he decided to climb that?"

as a side note, am I right to always trust the temp gun over the acurite readings? There's usually a 2 degree difference.

[tttaylorrr]

Just the RHP but I'm considering adding a uth. I have my Tstat probe hanging a few inches under it along the wall. I was originally going to ziptie it closer to the substrate (same 2-3 inches)but I was recommended to have it higher and further away to avoid having it peed on to mess with readings.

So far I've had it like that for the past 10 days and it's been working well but if you think the peeing won't be an issue do you think I should try having it lower?

I admit I'm also worried about the scenario of "what if he decided to climb that?"

as a side note, am I right to always trust the temp gun over the acurite readings? There's usually a 2 degree difference.

when using a temp gun you need to hold it a bit farther away from the spot you're measuring (5-7" i think? it said something like that with the directions) and hold the trigger down for a few seconds. i'm not sure about what brand of temp gun you're using, but with my equipment i'd trust the temp gun over my AcuRite.

i can almost guarantee that climbing the probe won't be an issue.

for the water resistance: IMO i wouldn't worry about it. they may not be water proof, but unless they're literally submerged in urine for a lengthy period of time i wouldn't worry about it.

[MissterDog]

when using a temp gun you need to hold it a bit farther away from the spot you're measuring (5-7" i think? it said something like that with the directions) and hold the trigger down for a few seconds. i'm not sure about what brand of temp gun you're using, but with my equipment i'd trust the temp gun over my AcuRite.

i can almost guarantee that climbing the probe won't be an issue.

for the water resistance: IMO i wouldn't worry about it. they may not be water proof, but unless they're literally submerged in urine for a lengthy period of time i wouldn't worry about it.

Yeah I've noticed it's still taking me a bit to get used to visually measuring how far to hold it. I still find myself measuring too close sometimes. Mine needs to be 11-14 inches away. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1


And aha, good to know the weather resistance should be fine. I figured it would be but might as well ask just in case :p

and cool! I still have a day to spare so I'll try placing the tstat probe abit closer to the substrate and run a comparison

[tttaylorrr]

Yeah I've noticed it's still taking me a bit to get used to visually measuring how far to hold it. I still find myself measuring too close sometimes. Mine needs to be 11-14 inches away. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1


And aha, good to know the weather resistance should be fine. I figured it would be but might as well ask just in case :p

and cool! I still have a day to spare so I'll try placing the tstat probe abit closer to the substrate and run a comparison

you're just going to have to mess with everything until you find something that works for you. you got this.

[MissterDog]

So after some testing it turns out having the probe closer to the substrate is actually giving me perfect temps ranges and are far more precise (more than I expected) than having my probe hang 4-5 inches below the rhp.

I'm still concerned about my bp being able to pee/poo on the probe and mess with readings. The way it's secured I think he might not be able to, but I I'd love some second opinions!


Here is Placement A



The tstat probe is tucked behind the root decor and thermometer probe wire which I hope will block off access. The probe is hovering just above the substrate and which has so far, given me the most accurate temps. *Note, it will be ziptied. For now it's just loosely tied in place for testing.




And here is another placement I'm currently testing. I admit I'm still a little weary about my bp climbing up the wire like that and either pulling it down, or touching the rhp. Was thinking of zip tying it to the thermometer probe wire.
Here is Placement B




and of course, placement C was 4 inches below the rhp, which kept it the most out of reach.

I mean all methods work and keep my temps where they need to be at, so I'm being super nit-picky now. Maybe it's my being crazy antsy from having my bp coming so soon? Anyways, if it turns out placement A is fine and you guys think it's unlikely to be used as a toilet, I may go with that.

[tttaylorrr]

my RHP probe placement is more like Placement B. i've never seen Yellow attempt to climb the probe (or even notice it, really) or touch the RHP. then again, Yellow is coming up on 900g so climbing isn't really his strong suit!

[MissterDog]

my RHP probe placement is more like Placement B. i've never seen Yellow attempt to climb the probe (or even notice it, really) or touch the RHP. then again, Yellow is coming up on 900g so climbing isn't really his strong suit!

Thats good to know! Here is hoping Tapioca doesn't get any bright ideas! I'm still waiting to see the results on placement B but so far it's looking good!

in your opinion do you think there is a pee/poo risk for placement A?

[tttaylorrr]

Thats good to know! Here is hoping Tapioca doesn't get any bright ideas! I'm still waiting to see the results on placement B but so far it's looking good!

in your opinion do you think there is a pee/poo risk for placement A?

i'm going to say yes only because you can't predict where a snake will pee or poop. 97% of the time my group goes in their hides, but it has happened outside.
if you're more comfortable with Placement A then that's what you should go with. if something were to happen, they do sell replacement probes. you just gota do what works best for you.