A few UTH question's

[Geck-O]

Well, I got a ZooMed 10-20g UTH and I was wondering:

1:Could I detach the UTH once I have stuck it onto a viv?

2:Can the UTH's from ZooMed last a long time?

3.How much heat does a ZooMed UTH exert on average?

4.Do I still need to place the little white stoppers that come with the UTH under my viv if there is already an air space between the viv and the ground?

Thanks in advance!

 

[acpart]

Well, I got a ZooMed 10-20g UTH and I was wondering:

1:Could I detach the UTH once I have stuck it onto a viv?

I have no problem with that. If you want to be absolutely sure, leave the backing on and tape it to the tank

2:Can the UTH's from ZooMed last a long time?
I've been using mine for years with no problems

3.How much heat does a ZooMed UTH exert on average?
I can't tell you the wattage, but I have found that the 10-20 gallon one can heat the bottom of a 20 gallon tank with 1/4" ceramic tile substrate to about 92-95. It will heat a 10 gallon tank hotter

4.Do I still need to place the little white stoppers that come with the UTH under my viv if there is already an air space between the viv and the ground?

It's probably fine if there's air space already. I use little wooden dominoes myself.

Thanks in advance!

Aliza

 

[Geck-O]

A couple things I forgot to add:

5: Is it ok for the UTH to be stuck onto plastic?

6: If I turn on the UTH with the backing still attached will the backing melt or something?

BTW, Thanks again, Aliza!

 

[acpart]

I have used the UTH with backing with no problems. I'm not sure what you mean by "plastic". If you mean saran wrap, I'm not sure whether or not it will be OK. If you mean can you use it on a plastic enclosure, it's not recommended for that but I would say it should be OK with a thermostat. I have used the mini on a plastic enclosure. Back to the saran wrap ---if you're using a thermostat, so the UTH doesn't get much over 100 (remember you're trying to reach 92 on the other side of the floor), it may be OK.

Aliza

 

[Geck-O]

I have another question. How does a thermostat work with a UTH? Do you attach it to the UTH or something? BTW, will a cheap thermostat do? What thermostat should I buy? I would like one that is cheap and reliable.

 

[cuomop]

my question to add to this if you dont mind is, in a comfortably temp house (68-75 thermostat), will a zoomed UTH be all thats needed to keep the 90/75 temp gradient or will extra heat be needed???

 

[runko]

70-75 would be more perferred

 

[acpart]

I have another question. How does a thermostat work with a UTH? Do you attach it to the UTH or something? BTW, will a cheap thermostat do? What thermostat should I buy? I would like one that is cheap and reliable.

The thermostat has a place to plug something in, a capsule-shaped probe and a plug. You place the probe on the floor of the hot side, so it can measure the temperatures. You plug the UTH into the plug-in place on the thermostat and you plug the thermostat into the outlet in the wall or strip. So the thermostat is wired in between your electrical power source and your UTH. When the probe indicates that the temp exceeds the thermostat setting, it turns the UTH off until the temp goes back down.

Your ambient room temperatures should be fine to maintain the heat gradient you want. My ambient temps are like that at certain times of the year, but are much warmer in the summer (no air conditioning) and somewhat cooler in the winter (saving on heat in the Northeast). I never have any trouble.

My vote for cheap, reliable thermostats are the ones I have seen marketed as "Alife" or "ESU". They seem to be the same thermostat with different brand names on it. I also have one Zoomed. These thermostats should be under $30 are are sometimes available for less on ebay. Some people report problems with them malfunctioning, but I have had no problem with the 6-8 that I use regularly. To find these thermostats, google one or all of the brand names mentioned above.

Aliza