Heat source

[tcutting]

just a quick note if you are using a UTH and no thermostat make sure you have a nice think amount of bedding like Aspen or cypress. That tends to dissipate the heat enough to keep the animal safe(not a perfect way to do it but it works); However thermostat FTW! but if you already have a UTH just get a small lamp that will take care of the rest. Thats what i do.

and

UTHs don't affect ambient temps at all...I wasn't saying she didn't need another heat source, I just think she needs to know the temps before she goes out and blows more money and then might not even need it. I only use a heat lamp in the winter for any of my tanks...all other times of the years it's not needed.

I agree, i only really use my lamps in the winter as well and knowing the temps is Key.

[Salab10]

aye, it's a good thing my snake isn't in this tank yet ill be back with more questions shortly

[Salab10]

Yea I use a repti500r to control my uth, other then throwing that out and obtaining a thermometer with a probe, what do you recommend I get now to help with the heat?

[Skittles1101]

aye, it's a good thing my snake isn't in this tank yet ill be back with more questions shortly

Hypothetically speaking, once you actually know what the temps of the hot spot and ambient temps are for sure without guessing, if you control the UTH and the hot spot is steady at 88-92 and your ambient temps are still too low for your liking, you can buy a low wattage heat lamp or CHE (ceramic heat emitter). Those tend to be pretty intense, I like to keep all of mine on dimmers. You can buy a dimmer from Home Depot or Lowes for $10...it'll be in the lamp section. I hope I helped!

[Skittles1101]

Hypothetically speaking, once you actually know what the temps of the hot spot and ambient temps are for sure without guessing, if you control the UTH and the hot spot is steady at 88-92 and your ambient temps are still too low for your liking, you can buy a low wattage heat lamp or CHE (ceramic heat emitter). Those tend to be pretty intense, I like to keep all of mine on dimmers. You can buy a dimmer from Home Depot or Lowes for $10...it'll be in the lamp section. I hope I helped!

Edit: I say return it! I hated mine and honestly they are unreliable in my eyes. There is no other way to adjust temps until you know what your temps currently are. Bottom line, you need to get a reliable digital thermostat or a temp gun.

[Salab10]

Edit: I say return it! I hated mine and honestly they are unreliable in my eyes. There is no other way to adjust temps until you know what your temps currently are. Bottom line, you need to get a reliable digital thermostat or a temp gun.

well i have a digital thermostat, it just doesn't have a probe so it's measuring the ambient temperature of the tank, and lets pretend my uth is at 110, which it could very well be at but i doubt it, but hypothetically speaking if it was at 110 my tank temperature is still only 75 so it looks like i'm going to have to get another heat source i.e. i'm thinkin the ceramic with the dimmer.

[Skittles1101]

Yes, hypothetically you could use those as well...I suggest the dimmer simply because on all of my overhead heating it's always far too intense and messes with the hot spot temp as well. I just get a 75 watt bulb and use the dimmer. Just be aware that any light/lamp/heat emitter will mess with the humidity. Some sphagnum moss inside the hides should do the trick.

[Salab10]

Thanks! it looks like a 75 watt ceramic bulb, a dimmer, some moss, and a thermostat with a probe are on my to do list! And I thought my tank was all setup ha!

[pigfat]

LGray, I'm using a UTH and have it set on 93 and my ambients are only 75. Thats why I'm using an 15 watt infrared to get mine to 80.

I was typing this before you had replied again! And I was getting your opinion if this is okay? Someone said it would burn my snake. I have it over a large water dish and the humidity seems to be holding at 55%

[Salab10]

Also, where can I buy a ceramic heat emitter other then a local pet store chain? I find they jack up the prices unbelievably.