Question About UTH's

[Venenito_X_Remedito]

Hey everybody!

I just have a few questions about Under Tank Heaters.

1. Can they be under a tank that sits on a wooden *Pseudo-wood I think; like ones from Target, but it feels like actual wood* piece of furniture? Will that cause any problems? It said on the back of the package "Discoloration may occur on household furniture", but is that when the UTH is almost directly/or directly on it?
Also, if it isn't safe for any reason, would propping the tank up work?


2. A thermostat should be used with UTH's, correct?


Thanks everybody!

[LadyOhh]

It may crack the furniture as well. I've had that problem.

I would take a piece of plywood and put it under to save the wood (or pseudowood) from damage.

And yes, thermostat for UTH is a must.

[Venenito_X_Remedito]

It may crack the furniture as well. I've had that problem.

I would take a piece of plywood and put it under to save the wood (or pseudowood) from damage.

And yes, thermostat for UTH is a must.

Thanks for the quick reply
I thought that may be a better solution. Do you by chance know about how much a good thermostat may cost?

Thanks again

[LadyOhh]

a GOOD one can run $100+

You can get some for $30 as well..

[missi182]

a GOOD one can run $100+

You can get some for $30 as well..

Agreed, I'd say the cheapest reliable thermostat is a ranco or johnson.

http://www.reptilebasics.com/Thermostats-p-1-c-250.html

Check these out, if you get a ranco or johnson, make sure to get a pre-wired one unless someone you know is handy with wiring.

[Cop]

I do not think a thermostat is always a must. Like in my situation. I have a Exo-Terra Rain forest UTH and it doesn't give out nearly as much heat as a desert UTH.

[missi182]

I do not think a thermostat is always a must. Like in my situation. I have a Exo-Terra Rain forest UTH and it doesn't give out nearly as much heat as a desert UTH.

I do not have experience with this specific UTH, so out of curiosity, what is the max temp it reaches uncontrolled, and how are you measuring this temp?

[Cop]

I do not have experience with this specific UTH, so out of curiosity, what is the max temp it reaches uncontrolled, and how are you measuring this temp?

I talked to the pet store owner I bought it from and he said it'd only raise the temperature of the tank by maybe 5 degrees. He said I wouldn't need a thermostat because it is a very low wattage heat pad and that it wouldn't burn at all. He has a small one on each of his cage that he kept snakes in so I trust him. Plus it's only 8 watts compared to a 25 watt desert heat pad. It is perfect for keeping the belly warm and mine has always eaten and digested fine.

[Argentra]

Umm...ok... I don't know who told you those pads wouldn't get really hot, but it's not true. 10g UTHs are 8 watts and they get upwards of 120 degrees if not controlled.

As for thermostats, heres the run down:
Low end: ZooMed ReptiTemp 500R. $20-30. Great for the low budget or while you're waiting to save up enough for a good model. Eventually should be replaced with a mid to high end, but can work for months with little trouble.

Mid-range: Johnson and Ranco. $70-80. The best stat for low cost. On/Off style (comes on when temp drops below set and goes off when temp goes above). Johnson is smaller and quieter, but otherwise no real difference.

High end: Herpstat. $110+. Proportional (always on, regulates the power to keep temps within tenth of degree). One of the best stats out there.
Helix. $130+. Also Proportional. Said to be best for large racks or incubators.

For a tank on top of furniture, yes you'll need some plywood below to protect the furniture as well as placing the rubber 'feet' on the bottom of the tank.

[missi182]

I talked to the pet store owner I bought it from and he said it'd only raise the temperature of the tank by maybe 5 degrees. He said I wouldn't need a thermostat because it is a very low wattage heat pad and that it wouldn't burn at all. He has a small one on each of his cage that he kept snakes in so I trust him. Plus it's only 8 watts compared to a 25 watt desert heat pad. It is perfect for keeping the belly warm and mine has always eaten and digested fine.

While I can understand that you would want to trust the person you are buying your supplies from, you really need to put a digital thermometer probe on that heat pad, then tell me its low.

I have heard CRAZY explanations from pet store sales people that just want to get you to buy their products. If they do not carry thermostats (which very few pet stores do) why would they tell you that a product they sell cannot be operated safely without it's counterpart - which they do not sell. So they don't care and tell you it will work fine without it, which is entirely false.

There is a HUGE difference measuring the temperature above the heat pad, and directly on it, where your bp's sensitive belly rests.

You can choose to use products however you please, but in all politeness, please pick up a digital thermometer and find out for your self that your UTH is very likely too hot.