zilla 1000 watt temperature controller (Help?)

[KayleighBrown]

So we got a zilla 1000 watt temperature controller it was all we could afford right now. We're curious as to where to put the probe, seeing as you shouldn't put it on the direct heat source? This is for Kaa's heating pad, as it was getting hot enough to burn my fingers. What temperature should it be set at? Or is it fine if the heating just doesn't burn my fingers anymore?

[The Serpent Merchant]

Actually placing the probe directly on the heat source is the safest placement.

Do you have a probed thermometer inside the cage?

You need to set it so there is a 90 degree F hot spot inside the cage.

What substrate are you using?

[KayleighBrown]

I am currently using bark

I want to switch to a more soil like product that holds moisture a bit better.

Do you think that is a good idea?

[The Serpent Merchant]

I am currently using bark

I want to switch to a more soil like product that holds moisture a bit better.

Do you think that is a good idea?

I prefer Eco-Earth for moisture retention. Any of the coconut husk products are good. Just get the loose bags instead of the compressed bricks.

Just make sure your substrate layer is ½" thick or less.

[led-zep]

I agree ecoearth is good. You are you using a glass tank right? I would place the thermostat probe between the heat mat and the glass. Also try and tape the heat mat down with A/C foil duct tape if you have any. I like the ecoearth because the snakes tend to have a easier time burrying themselves into it if they want to get warmer. I would also grab a digital thermometer and hot glue the probe down under the substrate in the snakes hide to moniter belly temp.


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[KayleighBrown]

I agree ecoearth is good. You are you using a glass tank right? I would place the thermostat probe between the heat mat and the glass. Also try and tape the heat mat down with A/C foil duct tape if you have any. I like the ecoearth because the snakes tend to have a easier time burrying themselves into it if they want to get warmer. I would also grab a digital thermometer and hot glue the probe down under the substrate in the snakes hide to moniter belly temp.


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I'll keep that in mind. I was actually wanting to get an IR thermometer so I can use the lazer to see what the temperature of things really are.

[led-zep]

I'll keep that in mind. I was actually wanting to get an IR thermometer so I can use the lazer to see what the temperature of things really are.

Those are good too. Cant go wrong getting one of those.


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[Crazymonkee]

Agreed all around!! Eco Earth was a god send with my tank. And I do recommend the ir thermometer as well.
I use the same Thermostat, my probe is right on my heat tape for the rack. If your uth is already on your tank, use foil tape and tape it to the back of the uth

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[thejenius77]

Agreed all around!! Eco Earth was a god send with my tank. And I do recommend the ir thermometer as well.
I use the same Thermostat, my probe is right on my heat tape for the rack. If your uth is already on your tank, use foil tape and tape it to the back of the uth

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When you say "tape it to the back of the UTH", you mean NOT between the UTH & tub/glass? My UTH is already on the bottom of the tank, so I was wondering if I had to pull it off & get a new one.

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