How do i get low on heat dial lower?

[Abby_The_Python]

Hi, I have two 10 gallon tanks with one bp in each one. (one tank pictured) I named my new bps "Dripp" & "Dropp" due to their patterns & are maybe 4 months old each.

So i have a rheostat dial set on LOW to the smallest heating pad possible & the temps are still to high.

Hot side to hot & cold side to cold...any suggestions besides going to a tub and or lamps.

Anything i can do?

How come the lowest setting on the dial is still 104 degrees with a small heating pad?

p.s. picture was taken after i unplugged heating pad thats why the temps "look" good in the picture. But it was 104 on hot side after being on for a short amount of time. 2nd photo is from my 40 gal, all other pics are actual from this dilema. Thank you.




I bought pads of every size & rheostats for each side. i just really wish i could actually use them. Is it something simple like i am using paper towels as substrate?

[hondo1967]

I like to use flexwatt tape with a helix t.stat. U can use laser temp gun to measure exactly how hot the pads are getting, maybe the reostat isnt working.

[Argentra]

No, the rheostat works fine. The problem is that you're using it in an unstable room.

Rheostats only work if your room temps don't fluctuate more than a degree or two. Ever.
To get your temps even and have them stay that way, you need to get a thermostat. Even just a ZooMed ReptiTemp for $21, but you need a t-stat.

[blackcrystal22]

Is that heating pad in the middle of the tank or do you not have the whole tank shown? D:

Basically what Argentra said is what you get. :[

[Abby_The_Python]

I have one small heating pad on each side hooked up to their own rheostat.

But due to this i am currently using heating pad on one side. The left side as the hot side.

[Argentra]

Ack! I missed that...thanks blackcrystal. It DOES look like the pad is set long way in the center. But if you say it's on one side then ok.

Eventually, the thing you'll want to get to is to have a pad covering 1/3 the bottom on each side (ie 1/3 warm, 1/3 neutral center, and 1/3 cool) hooked up to it's own t-stat or a Herpstat II which can control two separate temps. Like I said, even the ZooMed stats are a ton better than rheostats until you can save up for the better ones like Johnson or Herpstat.

A 'sad' fact of pet keeping is that the initial costs for setting everything up properly can be really high, especially when dealing with heating for reptiles. But it pays off to get the right stuff right away since it will work properly for a long time, leaving you to enjoy your pet with only day to day care to worry about.

[Abby_The_Python]

Okay I will get a couple of those tomorrow & Thanks everyone, those suggestions really pointed me in the right direction.

So what should i do with all these rheostat dial things now, i have like 6-10 of them.

Should I still run the 2 heating pads on each side after i get the t-stat?

Having the same problem with my 40 gal, so i think this will fix a string of problems.

Although they are eating very well, must be all the temperature changes in the weather lately by me, doh!

[Abby_The_Python]

even the ZooMed stats are a ton better than rheostats until you can save up for the better ones like Johnson or Herpstat.

Good point Argentra, where would u suggest finding these "Johnson or Herpstat, they look slick

[mudguy]

Looks like your UTH is an RH-5, rated for 30-40 gl tanks. I use one(1) RH-4 on the warm side, with a 10 gl tank. I still have to keep the rheostat (Leviton) turned way down for optimum temps.

Also, those bumpers on your UTH should be installed on the tank base. You need some airflow between your tank and stand. I tossed the bumpers and used plastic leg caps for washers/dryers. It allows for about a 3/8” clearance.

And as others have suggested, I am moving on to a good thermostat, as well.

[mudguy]

Edit - Just noted your RH-5 is on a 40 gl.