A question on UTHs...

[xFenrir]

I bought a UTH that says it can be used on either the underside or the side of tanks. From what I've seen most people here like to place it under their tanks, but my tank's sitting on top of a flat surface. I'm afraid that putting the UTH underneath won't allow circulation and either cause a fire hazard or at the very least damage/burn the wood. The instructions say that the "side-mount" option is actually better, so will I be okay doing that?

(I'm also using an infrared light for heat as well as a basking spot lamp.)

[KatStoverReptiles]

The one I have came with little rubber feet you could attach to the bottom of your tank to raise it up so there would be some airflow. If yours didn't come with that you may check out the hardware section of your fav store and see if they have something that could raise your tank up a bit to allow airflow.

[TomC]

I agree as long as you use the little spacers that should have come with the UTH you will be fine and I think most prefer the under the tank method.

[DZ Reptiles]

UTH's that are on the side of a tank are pretty much useless What you can do to solve this problem is get 2 pieces of wood and put them on opposite sides of the tank to elevate the tank from the ground. This way there is no fire hazard.

[xFenrir]

The only problem for the little rubber feet that came with it is that the tank is JUST wider than the dresser it's on, so they're pretty much useless. The wood pieces sound like a great idea though! I'll try that.

[SSCorns]

How hot are you planning on running the UTH? 92-94 degree should not burn the wood. Test it with your temp probe and see how hot it is on the underside, should be the same as the top or very close. If you sandwhiched the pad between 2 pieces of wood and did not have it controlled (thermostat/ reostat) then I would have a small concern. just my 2 pennies.

[Trey Yeoman]

I have never heard of putting the UTH on the side of the tank... it does seem useless to me >< lol!
The purpose of putting a UTH on the bottom of the tank, directly under the hide, is to facilitate proper digestion of meals, and to also keep thermoregulation in a constant cycle. And it also aids in speeding up their immune system (example would be fighting off a RTI).
I like the idea of the wood blocks. Goodluck.