heat pad choice

[gusanr14]

hello

I was thinking which heat pad to get, either zoo med UTH or the Ultratherm UTH from reptile basics.
Both seems to work fine, but I realized that description of Ultratherm UTH from reptile basics states that it keeps the temperature below 95 degrees depending on the room temperature. Does this mean it never goes higher than 95?
I am going to put the probe of thermostat inside the tub and I feel like the actual temperature of the heat pad has to be higher sometimes since it has to go through the plastic tub to transfer the heat.
So for-example, heat pad is at 90 degrees and the actual heat transferred to the tub could be like 85~87 ish.
I was afraid if the heat pad temperature stays below 95 and if the room temperature isn't that high, it's not going to give enough heat to the hot spot.
Anyone have any experience with Ultratherm UTH? maybe checked temperature without thermostat being used? If it could go higher than 95, I think I would use those but not too sure.

Also, anyone ever compared heat tape to heat pad? what is big difference? which gives better heat gradient? can I cut heat tape to whatever length I want?

[gusanr14]

Seems too long haha, so to keep it short, I am asking if Ultratherm UTH from reptile basic goes over 95 degrees or even over 100 degress because I need them to on the safe side. I will be using thermostat to control but enough heat power is needed if my room decides to get colder and heat pad has to bring out more heat energy.

[Sunnieskys]

Always regulate your heat sources. And the probe for any under tank heater will go on the outside of the tank between the glass and uth. Hope that helps. You want your uth to read 90 degrees.

[MissterDog]

Ultratherm definitely goes over 95 even up to 115. So for sure use your thermostat (I have no idea why they try to advertise it without one, as you'd always want to use a thermostat regardless)

I use ultratherm for my PVC cage and it works fine to get me a 89-90 hotspot when I have my thermostat set to 94. Without my thermostat I have no doubt it would spike to undesirable temps. And I'm using the smallest size and wattage!

Plus it has no adhesive backing so you can reapply and reuse your ultratherm as much as you please. They're great!

Edit: Just keep in mind if you're concerned about your room getting too cold, the heat pad will only provide a hot spot for your surface temp and will do nothing for ambient temps.