Quote Originally Posted by dakski View Post
Ckunh003,

I've always had more success with the probes close to the heating elements.

Is the RHP your only heating element?

If so, I would put the thermostat probe between the RHP and the bottom of the tank. For what's it's worth, I would do the same if you have an RHP and heat tape/UTH on the same side as well. Don't put the probe(s) too low so that the animal, even when bigger, can easily waste on it.

I have 1FT hight tanks and there is about 9 1/2 inches between the floor of the tank and the RHP. I have the probe about 2 to 2 1/2 inches below the bottom of the RHP, or about 7 inches above the bottom of the tank. I have heat tape on the bottom, below the RHP (RHP for heat and warming the entire tank, heat tape for belly heat), and both run off the same thermostat. In my 6X2' tanks, in a 68F room, for my Boa/BCI for example, it stays 86-89F range (on/off thermostat) on the hot side, 80-83F ambient, and no less than 78F on the cool side (if that drops below 78F, I have heat tape on that side that kicks on and keeps the cool side 78F minimum). In the summer, it's usually closer to 80-81F on the cool side with a 75F room.

I would put the probe a few inches below the bottom of the RHP, right in the middle of it (side to side) and on the back wall. Or, alternatively, on the side wall, in the middle of it (front to back). Note that the thermostat will likely read below what the ground temp is. It's designed to throw heat down. So, it might read 83F at the thermostat, but be a nice 89F ground temp. Move the probe and start lower and work your way up. I would start at 80-82F and see what the ground temps are.

Good luck and keep us posted.

David

P.S. When you get the temps back to normal, humidity should come back up. RHP's dry tanks out a little, not as bad as CHE's, but somewhat. However, if running a lot, to make it 100F, for example, that would definitely dry things out more.
Super Helpful David and wouldn't expect anything less from you! And yes, my RHP is my only heating unit in the enclosure. Taking your advice, I taped my probe a couple inches under the RHP in the middle. Tape will be removed once I decide on the exact placement. I'm going to start at 83 degrees (TSTAT reading) and adjust up or down accordingly. Curious what you have your TSTAT set at? Also, how long would you give it to start taking temps?