Uth help!

[kitedemon]

Side mounting a UTH in a tank is not very efficient. Heat rises, (not to be dumb but sometimes people forget the obvious) the open top added with the typical height most of the heat is lost to the top and height. More power would then be needed and the hotter the side has to be and that in turn could mean burns. I have encountered a system that used a primary UTH under the tank. The side mounted was used to increase the ambient temp and extended across the whole back and was controlled by an independent T-stat set to deliver 80ºF. This seemed to work well but I do not think it would be efficient alone.

[akjadlnfkjfdkladf]

I didn't realize they affected ambient temps at all? Good to know I guess.

My enclosure isn't glass nor is it top opening. It maintains heat well and I think it would be impossible to stick a decent size UTH on the site without it raising ambient temps whatsoever

[John1982]

If it's controlled by a thermostat (which it should be...) there is no hazard...

There is always a hazard when dealing with electricity and heating apparatus! Thermostats will help minimize the risk but it's always going to be present. I've used side mounted UTH before, mainly with arboreal animals, and they seem able to utilize the heat just fine. There are things you can do to help preserve some of that heat before it escapes. Substrate deep enough that it's covering at least the bottom couple inches of the side-mounted UTH will absorb and hold a bit of the heat. That coupled with one of those half log hides set with one opening flush against the side of the tank where the UTH is mounted will create a fairly warm retreat for your pet without having to heat the crap outta that thing.

[Skittles1101]

There is always a hazard when dealing with electricity and heating apparatus! Thermostats will help minimize the risk but it's always going to be present. I've used side mounted UTH before, mainly with arboreal animals, and they seem able to utilize the heat just fine. There are things you can do to help preserve some of that heat before it escapes. Substrate deep enough that it's covering at least the bottom couple inches of the side-mounted UTH will absorb and hold a bit of the heat. That coupled with one of those half log hides set with one opening flush against the side of the tank where the UTH is mounted will create a fairly warm retreat for your pet without having to heat the crap outta that thing.

I meant no more risk than normally, obviously...with the thermostat comment I was referring to the degree wood has to be until it ignites...a thermostat prevents the heat source from reaching that point, therefore the risk is not there (more than normal for any other electrical device)

[Kyle S.]

yes, the UTH heats the glass and then the air inside, so it definitely helps with ambient temps.

I want to confirm that it will help with a temp gradient though. (And I also have a red-lens bulb that I use for regular heat, the UTH is just a supplement)

I am having some problems keeping humidity high, though. Any thoughts?

[tcutting]

yes, the UTH heats the glass and then the air inside, so it definitely helps with ambient temps.

I want to confirm that it will help with a temp gradient though. (And I also have a red-lens bulb that I use for regular heat, the UTH is just a supplement)

I am having some problems keeping humidity high, though. Any thoughts?

yes....

1. Aspen or cypress bedding(i like cypress)
2. Acrylic top replacement instead of screen make air holes and ensure it is secured correctly.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...arium-Solution

i find that this idea is the best.

[tcutting]

but if turning it on its side isnt what you want to do then take that Idea and make a suitable version for it to be the actual top with its current orientation.

[John1982]

I meant no more risk than normally, obviously...with the thermostat comment I was referring to the degree wood has to be until it ignites...a thermostat prevents the heat source from reaching that point, therefore the risk is not there (more than normal for any other electrical device)

It isn't obvious to everyone, I read it as an absolute and thought that merited correction. I disagree that it's no more dangerous than the typical household electrical device. What if the thermostat somehow fails or the probe gets jostled loose? I worked with an electrician for a while and this stuff scares the heck out of me so I tend to be overcautious and advise the same.

[Kyle S.]

yes....

1. Aspen or cypress bedding(i like cypress)
2. Acrylic top replacement instead of screen make air holes and ensure it is secured correctly.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...arium-Solution

i find that this idea is the best.

I already have cypress mulch and that works very well, but keeping the ambient air humid is proving more difficult than I thought.

[Kyle S.]

Has anyone heard of this Tropicaire Humidifier and Air Exchanger? Seems like an inexpensive solution to my humidity problem, but I'm a firm believer in getting what you pay for...

here's the link:
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/2526/product.web