Lamps, UTHs, Thermostats and other questions...

[Pandora]

I'm currently using an Exo Terra desert UTH for Pandora's 20 gallon tank. Ever since I initially started using it, it's been keeping perfect temps on it's own without the use of a thermostat. Yes, I'm measuring her temps with a digital thermometer w/probe. I also haven't used any overhead lighting/heat source and have had perfect ambient/cool side temps.

Lately, I've been considering getting her a clamp on lamp with a ceramic heat emitter and possibly replacing her heat pad because it's inconvenient how flimsy it is. Which in that case, I'll probably need to get a thermostat.

Here's my question(s): what are my best quality options for a new clamp on lamp, ceramic heat emitter and thermostat while taking the cheapest approach? I don't want to spend $100 on a thermostat if I could settle for something like http://www.reptilesupply.com/product...oducts_id=2534.

Also, I was considering getting a Zoo Med UTH but they have to be adhered to the tank which is not at all convenient when I take the tank to the bath tub to be cleaned once a month... Are there any good UTHs with built in temperature controls?

With the clamp on lamps, has anybody found a successful way to clamp something like this to a Zilla Critter Cage? I don't have anything around the tank that it can be clamped on to. Also, do the ceramic heat emitters need any form of regulation? How necessary are overhead heat sources anyway? Just trying to get some experienced advice with this before I decided whether this is even worth it.

[Pandora]

Additionally, would something like this keep perfect temperatures if used with a glass tank and an inch of aspen since it runs at a constant 100 Fahrenheit?

[truthsdeceit]

If everythings perfect I wouldn't change it.

My big beef with heat lamps is that they zap the humidity and then you not only need a thermostat to keep the temps right but you also need a new way to keep the humidity up.

I use the zoomed pads that stick to the tank bottom, when I wash my tanks I just make sure to keep the plug end out of the tub, dry the tank and UTH very well (I try to get as little water on the UTH as possible when washing) and let it sit for 10-20 mins in a warm dry place before I plug it back in. I've never had an issue with washing my tanks.

As for clamping heat lamps to the critter tanks, just sit the lamp on the screen lid. it works.

[Pandora]

If everythings perfect I wouldn't change it.

My big beef with heat lamps is that they zap the humidity and then you not only need a thermostat to keep the temps right but you also need a new way to keep the humidity up.

I use the zoomed pads that stick to the tank bottom, when I wash my tanks I just make sure to keep the plug end out of the tub, dry the tank and UTH very well (I try to get as little water on the UTH as possible when washing) and let it sit for 10-20 mins in a warm dry place before I plug it back in. I've never had an issue with washing my tanks.

As for clamping heat lamps to the critter tanks, just sit the lamp on the screen lid. it works.

What thermostat do you use with the Zoo Med pads?
My concern with getting the lamp that just sits on top of the tank is that I have to uncover more of the top of the tank, which means humidity and insulation gets sacrificed a bit.

[truthsdeceit]

What thermostat do you use with the Zoo Med pads?
My concern with getting the lamp that just sits on top of the tank is that I have to uncover more of the top of the tank, which means humidity and insulation gets sacrificed a bit.

I'm bad and don't use a thermostat. I do have temp probs and things stay in the right range all the time. However, the zoomed pads tend to make the glass uncomfortably hot, and my snakes burrow. So I tape down a couple of layers of cardstock (currently using the covers off old phonebooks) to insulate them from the pad.

No burns, right temps, and fairly cheap.

I have one heat lamp right now, which I've been struggling with for the last few days (it's new). I just replaced a night bulb with a CHE and have covered most of the lid with foil with just a hole for the che and a strip for air, this along with a big bowl of water over the heat pad, another on the cool side, and twice daily misting keeps my humidity in the high 50's, higher after misting.

I actually hang my lamp by it's cord from the shelf above my tank. My shelving unit is made of wire so I just threaded it through. But it's so close to the tank lid, within 1/2 inch, it might as well be sitting on top of it. The only reason I hang it is so that i can remove the sliding lid without moving the lamp.

[filly77]

I'd avoid using a clamp lamp, then you will be dealing with humidity issues.

another option for you is ordering an ultratherm heat mat from beanfarm.com its basically the same material as flex but it doesn't stick to the bottom like some of the other heat mats. makes cleaning in the tub a snap! and it has a thicker layer of plastic laminate for extra safety/durability. the site claims you dont need a t-stat with them but i wouldn't chance it w/o one.

when i first started out, i used these mats with an Alife t-stat also sold from beanfarm. they aren't the greatest but work until you can get a better one. or you could get a light switch dimmer. I've never went that rout but from what I hear they are about 10 dollars from your local hardware store and people have had good results with them.

[filly77]

Additionally, would something like this keep perfect temperatures if used with a glass tank and an inch of aspen since it runs at a constant 100 Fahrenheit?

thats basically on the same lines as the ultratherm mats but the ultratherms are a little cheaper. you should look into them

[Hapa_Haole]

Ever thought of using light dimmers? They are super cheap "thermostats" that require just a bit more of tweaking. My BP is housed in a tub and I rarely have to change the dimmer setting for that UTH but when there is a drastic change in weather I usually need to make some small adjustments to my 20gal glass tank's UTH. But for 10$ a pop I figure they are worth the occasion adjustments.

[Pandora]

The thing about using a light dimmer is even though it's cheap... it would annoy me rather quickly. I'd rather just set the temp and leave it and not worry about it.

[truthsdeceit]

The thing about using a light dimmer is even though it's cheap... it would annoy me rather quickly. I'd rather just set the temp and leave it and not worry about it.

Well then, if things are perfect right now and you just want to replace the mat you've got cause it's flimsy.

Start saving!!

Just keep what you have, research your dream setup and save up to buy it. That way you're not bleeding money to buy all these 'halfway' stuff in between.