Help with temperature

[jclaiborne]

Its not necessarily a bad idea, you just have to make sure its firmly tacked down. If your UTH is already installed you can attach the probe to the bottom of the UTH, you can also put it inside but you need to make sure the wire is completely fixed and not floating around, otherwise there is the posiblity to have your snake get tangled or pull the probe away from the heat source causing the temps to go up. If you do choose to attach it inside the glass and you use silicone, hot glue, or some type of epoxy make sure you don't cover the actual probe. I have hooked up enclosures both ways to see if there was any difference in accuracy and it is about the same, once you get your mat dialed i you are good to go.

[PitOnTheProwl]

Ok. But you have it inside? I know that I read somewhere on here why that is a bad idea, but can't remember the reason why. Hopefully someone else can chime in on that.

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Proper cleaning and the risk of it coming lose and moving as well as the cable potentially being a hazard.

[jclaiborne]

If you're talking about the UTH thermostat, there's a reason I have it inside. Who cares what the temp OUTSIDE the glass is? I want to know what the temp inside is. My snake isn't ever going to be in contact with the outside.

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The TSTAT probe is measuring the heat pad, if you have it outside like the majority of people do you attach it to the heat mat. It isn't for ambient temps, you get it dialed in and you are set. You can attach the probe on the outside set your temp, verify that it is correct on the inside and you are good to go.

[PitOnTheProwl]

If you're talking about the UTH thermostat, there's a reason I have it inside. Who cares what the temp OUTSIDE the glass is? I want to know what the temp inside is. My snake isn't ever going to be in contact with the outside.

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That's what a no contact thermometer is for. Regardless of what you set your stat for, there is error so you always want to double check it with a good no contact.

[jclaiborne]

that's what a no contact thermometer is for. Regardless of what you set your stat for, there is error so you always want to double check it with a good no contact.

x2

[thejenius77]

I think one of the reasons that I remember is: if for some reason the probe came loose and was just floating around somewhere in the tank, the temps of the UTH could potentially rise to deadly levels.

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[patientz3ro]

The TSTAT probe is measuring the heat pad, if you have it outside like the majority of people do you attach it to the heat mat. It isn't for ambient temps, you get it dialed in and you are set. You can attach the probe on the outside set your temp, verify that it is correct on the inside and you are good to go.

That's what a no contact thermometer is for. Regardless of what you set your stat for, there is error so you always want to double check it with a good no contact.

Man, you guys are killing me!

I think I might have confused everyone, so here's the way I've got things set up. My UTH is in the usual place. The probe to the thermostat controlling it is inside the tank, and the cable is imbedded in silicone, leaving the actual probe exposed. It's not going anywhere. Running right alongside the probe for the thermostat is a probe for a digital thermometer, imbedded the same way. If the readings don't match, I start troubleshooting.

There's a SECOND thermostat connected to the heat lamps to regulate ambient air temps. There are also digital combo meters at each end of the tank. PLUS, I have an IR thermometer to spot check. It would be VERY difficult for my temps to get out of control.

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[jclaiborne]

Man, you guys are killing me!

I think I might have confused everyone, so here's the way I've got things set up. My UTH is in the usual place. The probe to the thermostat controlling it is inside the tank, and the cable is imbedded in silicone, leaving the actual probe exposed. It's not going anywhere. Running right alongside the probe for the thermostat is a probe for a digital thermometer, imbedded the same way. If the readings don't match, I start troubleshooting.

There's a SECOND thermostat connected to the heat lamps to regulate ambient air temps. There are also digital combo meters at each end of the tank. PLUS, I have an IR thermometer to spot check. It would be VERY difficult for my temps to get out of control.

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Yes now it makes sense, I was a little confused about your setup at first. To the OP you can mount the tstat probe in or out, if you do it in you need it secured like the above description. For ease of use, mounting it on the outside works just a well.

[pbyeerts]

Oliver made it through the night, I have a thermostat attached, and feel much relieved! I was up several times checking on him, and he seems fine. The probe for the thermostat is attached to the UTH outside of the tank, and the temperature probe is in his tank, underneath his multipurpose basking rock/cave/hide, which is above the UTH. I still have a basking lamp on for him, and he's been hanging out underneath it. I have foil over 3/4 of the top of his tank, with a towel on top of it for extra weight. The humidity is a gorgeous 65% and the temps are ranging between 80 F on the cool side and 90 F on the warm side. I'm still adjusting things, but feel much more confident about ensuring proper temperatures now.

Many, many thanks to all of the wonderful members here who supported and helped me! You guys are the best! I really thought that I had everything all set up correctly - I had no idea the UTH would be so darn dangerous. I actually purchased 3 different thermostats via Amazon, and will see which is the best - delivery time was paramount yesterday - and the one recommended in the tank set up thread can't be here for about 5 days. No local pet stores had a thermostat, including the pet store which sold me Oliver and his other supplies. Amazing.......

I"ll keep you all updated, and of course, share pics of my very handsome boy (or girl, lol). Lots of questions to ask, which I'll post as they arise. Cheers, Pamela