Does my UTH need a thermostat? What about Thermometers?

[martin82531]

Again make sure the probe goes on the outside, I would't use hot glue as the only adhesive to keep a probe in place, so much can go bad if it falls off. I would use foil tape, I have included a link below to where it can be purchased. I'm currently using flexwat but I was previously using Zoo Med UTH's, during that time I was using the below duck tape to adhere it to a glass enclosure, I was very generous when applying it, never once had an issue, the temp rating for duck tape is 120 degrees.

http://www.reptilebasics.com/aluminum-foil-tape

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...x#.UL_JTYPonng

[yellowbelly76]

Again make sure the probe goes on the outside, I would't use hot glue as the only adhesive to keep a probe in place, so much can go bad if it falls off. I would use foil tape, I have included a link below to where it can be purchased. I'm currently using flexwat but I was previously using Zoo Med UTH's, during that time I was using the below duck tape to adhere it to a glass enclosure, I was very generous when applying it, never once had an issue, the temp rating for duck tape is 120 degrees.

http://www.reptilebasics.com/aluminum-foil-tape

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...x#.UL_JTYPonng

Hot glue wasn't the issue. The UTH is self-adhesive...peel off the paper, and the glue is there to adhere to the underside of the tank. If the probe is between there, how hard will it be to get out? Plus, how much glue residue will be left on the probe? That is what my concern is.

[martin82531]

Hot glue wasn't the issue. The UTH is self-adhesive...peel off the paper, and the glue is there to adhere to the underside of the tank. If the probe is between there, how hard will it be to get out? Plus, how much glue residue will be left on the probe? That is what my concern is.

I would then tape the probe to the outside of the UTH.....It would be your probe, UTH then the bottom of the tank. From here use a probed thermometer like the one below to measure the temps on the inside.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...duct_id=896347

[martin82531]

I also heard of this but it was to late when I had the adhesive UTH's. Take the adhesive side and stick it to tin foil then use tape to adhere the UTH to the tank. This method would also allow you put the probe between the UTH and the cage. The reason for sticking it to tin foil is it allows you to easily remove the UTH and use it again in the future.

Sent from my DROID4 using Tapatalk 2

[yellowbelly76]

I would then tape the probe to the outside of the UTH.....It would be your probe, UTH then the bottom of the tank. From here use a probed thermometer like the one below to measure the temps on the inside.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...duct_id=896347

I have a probe thermo already, although not that brand. It is currently between the carpet and the glass inside the tank. Is that ok, or do you feel that is bad, much like have the stat probe on the inside? I have a probe thermometer and a probe combo thermometer/hygrometer. The combo is on the cool side, in the air to get the ambient temp/humidity of the tank. I just want to make sure the hot side is warm enough. Currently getting 86 degrees in the air, below the red lamp, and 83.7 between the glass and carpet.

also, I'll keep in mind your thought on carpet...def don't want mold/mildew in the tank.

[yellowbelly76]

I also heard of this but it was to late when I had the adhesive UTH's. Take the adhesive side and stick it to tin foil then use tape to adhere the UTH to the tank. This method would also allow you put the probe between the UTH and the cage. The reason for sticking it to tin foil is it allows you to easily remove the UTH and use it again in the future.

Sent from my DROID4 using Tapatalk 2

That's an interesting idea...wouldn't have thought of that. It still allowed the heat to transfer to the tank without any problems?

[martin82531]

I have a probe thermo already, although not that brand. It is currently between the carpet and the glass inside the tank. Is that ok, or do you feel that is bad, much like have the stat probe on the inside? I have a probe thermometer and a probe combo thermometer/hygrometer. The combo is on the cool side, in the air to get the ambient temp/humidity of the tank. I just want to make sure the hot side is warm enough. Currently getting 86 degrees in the air, below the red lamp, and 83.7 between the glass and carpet.

also, I'll keep in mind your thought on carpet...def don't want mold/mildew in the tank.

The placement of the probed thermometer here is fine, the only probe you don't want on the inside is the probe from the thermostat. Just make sure the probe from the thermometer is sitting directly above your UTH. Your temps seem fine except your surface hot spot where the UTH is, you want this temp around 90-92 degrees.

If you have difficulties maintaining humidity levels, once you get the hot spot up to 90-92, and keep your ambient temps around 77-85 degrees you may find it useful not use the red lamp if you can keep the other temps stable as lamps seem to lower your humidity levels.

[martin82531]

That's an interesting idea...wouldn't have thought of that. It still allowed the heat to transfer to the tank without any problems?

I can't give a scientific answer to this question but I don't see why would have any issues.

[yellowbelly76]

The placement of the probed thermometer here is fine, the only probe you don't want on the inside is the probe from the thermostat. Just make sure the probe from the thermometer is sitting directly above your UTH. Your temps seem fine except your surface hot spot where the UTH is, you want this temp around 90-92 degrees.

If you have difficulties maintaining humidity levels, once you get the hot spot up to 90-92, and keep your ambient temps around 77-85 degrees you may find it useful not use the red lamp if you can keep the other temps stable as lamps seem to lower your humidity levels.

So, the 90-92 degree hotspot can be belly heat alone...the don't need basking heat from above? Don't have the UTH yet...ordered the wrong size, but going to pick a proper sized one today. Def having problems with humidity. Got a piece of acrylic to cove part of the top, but I need to get it cut to size. I hoped that would help with the humidity issue.

[RoseyReps]

I have covered a few uths with aluminum tape on the adhesive side, have yet to have any problem with heat transfer. It is nice because you can remove the uth without fear of ruining it, and the tstat probe stays nice and secure and gives more accurate readings. I secure the probe to my uth using a small piece of aluminum tape on the cord (not on the probe itself) and then secure the uth to the glass with more aluminum tape.

You don't want readings of above 94° anywhere in the tank. 89-90 is the optimal hotside temps.

The carpet can be burrowed under aswell. You would be surprised at how an animal with no legs can lift things to get under them. If / when you switch to a loose substrate, make sure the substrate is only around 1/2“ on the hotside.