Getting temps correct shouldn't be this difficult...

[JeRMz]

Frustration is starting to rear its ugly head. My 20 long temps are currently-- 91 hot side, 74 cold side, 50% Rh. To get these where they are at, I had to add a 75 watt Zoo Med infrared bulb in a 8.5" dome, hooked up to a dimmer. With the lamp placed in the middle of my lid, the substrate surface temp has read 95*. The dimmer works nicely, so adjusting isn't a problem (yet). Would it make more sense to keep the lamp over the hot side, or keep it centered? Thanks for reading.

[The Serpent Merchant]

What other heat sources are you using currently?

[JeRMz]

What other heat sources are you using currently?

A t-stat regulated Ultratherm uth.

[The Serpent Merchant]

ok, well if you move the heat lamp over to the hot side do the air temps on the cool side drop too much or not? That is how I would decide to keep the heat lamp in the middle or move it over to the hot side.

[JeRMz]

They do drop, actually. That is why I'm confused. Hot side now is 91* & cool side is 75*. Lamp is approx. in the middle, maybe a couple inches closer to hot side. I'm starting to think the middle is where it should be. I can't wait for Spring/Summer for naturally good ambient temps!

[JeRMz]

Not so sure a Hot Side...Hotter Middle...Cool Side is ok. Tubs are starting to sound better every day...

[mshadows]

..... i feel your pain . i switched to tubs after I cracked my tank from a che ...... I looooved my tub .......but I wanted a more eye appealing enclosure, and the tub gave me months of worry free time to plan my enclosure.

[PitOnTheProwl]

What is the temp under the substrate on the glass where the UTH is mounted?

[JeRMz]

What is the temp under the substrate on the glass where the UTH is mounted?

This is a new problem I just discovered. 1/2 of the Ultratherm read 95ish, the other read 80ish. This is turning into a financial nightmare!!!!!

[JeRMz]

UTH is not completely flat with glass, sagging a bit.