Probe placement

[vangarret2000]

Where abouts should I put my temp probes? SHould I put it on the bottom of the substrate on the glass, or in the middle of the substrate, or more to the top of the substrate? Right now I am putting it more to the top.

[nevohraalnavnoj]

What is the probe controlling?

If it's heat tape, I recommend outside of the enclosure, taped directly to the heat tape.

If it's a heat lamp, wherever you put it make sure 1) it's secure and 2) not somewhere where it will get peed on / wet.

JonV

[vangarret2000]

It is a themometer probe.

[nevohraalnavnoj]

What are you using to control your heating devices?

JonV

[Kaorte]

If you have a UTH put the probe right on the glass under the substrate on the inside of the tank. Remember, any heating element you use must be controlled with a thermostat to prevent burns (or worse, cooking your snake).

[vangarret2000]

What are you using to control your heating devices?

JonV

A dimmer. Why?

[vangarret2000]

If you have a UTH put the probe right on the glass under the substrate on the inside of the tank. Remember, any heating element you use must be controlled with a thermostat to prevent burns (or worse, cooking your snake).

My snake doesn't burrow at all so won't putting the probe on the glass be an inaccurate reading? Even though it is only an inch or so depth the heat diffuses through the substrate so it is cooler right on the top then right on the bottom. I don't want you to think I am calling you wrong, it just doesn't make sence to me. Why would you want a temp reading that is going to be higher then the temp the snake is actually getting?

[southernboagurl]

It's better to do it that way so that you can get a better reading of what the actual UTH is. Depending on what type of substrate you're using, she can always burrow down to get warmer. Also if you put it inside the substrate, it could get moved/wet/etc and give you the wrong reading.

[Kaorte]

My snake doesn't burrow at all so won't putting the probe on the glass be an inaccurate reading? Even though it is only an inch or so depth the heat diffuses through the substrate so it is cooler right on the top then right on the bottom. I don't want you to think I am calling you wrong, it just doesn't make sence to me. Why would you want a temp reading that is going to be higher then the temp the snake is actually getting?

You can't always be sure that your snake doesn't burrow, or just move the substrate around. If you set the UTH to be 92* on the surface of the substrate, the actual temp of the UTH on the glass will be much hotter, and hot enough to burn your snake. If they need the heat, they will find a way to get to it. Mine always move the substrate to get to the bottom of the tub. I would rather them do this then move it and get a burn.

[vangarret2000]

That makes sence. Thanks.