UTH for my Albino Ball

[Skittles1101]

Let me ask you, when you adjust the tank with the dimmer, does it automatically adjust the temp? or do you have to wait a couple of mintues to get an acurrate reading to your adjustment.

What I did when I got the dimmer was I lowered it to about halfway, I took temps about 20 minutes after that and adjusted until it was around 88-92. Then during the day sometimes it gets to like 93....so I'll just lower it a teeny bit and retest a bit later. It's quite sensitive, so once you get the general reading you want you'll only be adjusting it a tiny bit, like 1/2 mm each way is all. Takes some getting used to, but once you get the general hang of it, it becomes second habit.

[AlbinoBall]

oh ok cool, so if I get the Temp Gun and Dimmer today, you think once I adjust the Temp to the correct Temp I could remove the carpet from above the UTH right?

[Skittles1101]

oh ok cool, so if I get the Temp Gun and Dimmer today, you think once I adjust the Temp to the correct Temp I could remove the carpet from above the UTH right?

Ummmm...is the UTH actually under the tank or inside it?? It really should be on the outside, underneath the tank.....and what are you using for bedding? That repticarpet stuff?

[AlbinoBall]

The UTH is on the outside on the bottom, I'm using Aspen Bedding but when I pick up the ball yesterday before I put him in the cage I felt the spot inside where the UTH is located on the outside and it was hot as hell, so to be safe and not burn my ball I went real quick to Petco and just got a small piece of the Reptile Carpet and placed it inside above the UTH on the outside then place the hide back on top and then the aspen around it. Just until I get a Temp Gun to actually read the temps

[Adam Chandler]

Let me ask you, when you adjust the tank with the dimmer, does it automatically adjust the temp? or do you have to wait a couple of mintues to get an acurrate reading to your adjustment.

If you adjusted the dimmer, higher for instance, the dimmer would send more electricity to the UTH, and you would have to wait until the heating element finishes heating up to the new setting.

The problem with rheostats (dimmers) is they cannot adjust and adapt on their own to changes in the ambient room temperature, someone has to be constantly adjusting it. If the room warms up what was an appropriate setting can become dangerously high.
In my opinion a thermostat is worth the extra money just for the piece of mind, not to mention less hassle and the increase in the quality of life of your BP by having stable proper temperatures.

[Skittles1101]

Okay yeah, I'd say when you get the dimmer, even if you don't get the temp gun right away (if you order it online, not sure how much they are at Home Depot) I'd give it a good 30 mins-1 hour before you take that carpet off. Lower the dimmer to just below halfway. I use aspen also, and I keep my dimmer just below halfway, but definitely wait to take that carpet out for a bit so you don't risk frying your snake

[Skittles1101]

I agree with dragonboy, a thermostat truely is the best option. BUT, while you save up that 100 bucks for your thermostat that you should eventually invest in, the dimmer/temp gun system works well, as long as you are responsible and check the temps every chance you get.

[AlbinoBall]

can you guys look this up. Hydrofarm MTPRTC Digital Thermostat For Heat Mats
some one suggested it to me and it looks like it will do the job and its at a great price too. Thanks LGray23 I will make sure I got the temp perfect before I remove the carpet for sure.

[Skittles1101]

I just sent you a private message regarding that okay? Way too much to type here lol

[Adam Chandler]

I agree with dragonboy,

dragonboy?!?

can you guys look this up. Hydrofarm MTPRTC Digital Thermostat For Heat Mats

I have heard of this thermostat before, while I am sure its not safe or powerful enough for rack use it seems like it would be good choice for a UTH. Definitely a step up form a rheostat I think. But I have no first have experience with this particular thermostat but there seems to be some reviews for it on Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...0373151&sr=8-2