Another UTH Question

[Cheaton]

I have a 20l I'm in the process of getting set up. I had initially purchased a 10/20 ZooMed UTH. I soon figured out it was not going to be adequate. My question is, should I use a 30-40? Or go for the gusto and get the 50gal. The dimensional sizes of the ZooMed pads are 8x12 and 8x18 respectively. I noticed on the 10/20 there was aout a 4" hotspot in the center and then the temp dropped off dramatically on the edges. Any thoughts?

-Chris

 

[Scott&Nikki]

I personally have a 10/20, but I wish I had the 30/40. That one should be fine. If you get too big you wont get a good heat gradient in the tank. I have heard others say the 30/40 is just fine. About the uneven heating, that seems to be the norm with these. I do not know if any others are better, but I havent had "problems" with it. Just make sure to use a thermostat if you do that.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

How many geckos will you be housing in the 20L tank? If the Zoo Med 10-20 UTH isn't adequate, you should go with the 30-40 and use a rheostat or dimmer to power it down for the proper temperatures... besides, it would be a lot cheaper than purchasing a larger tank!

 

[Cheaton]

Thanks for the replies. I plan on keeping 1 leo to begin with, maybe 2 eventually but no more than that. Thanks again!

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

A 20L will easily house 3 geckos.

 

[Cheaton]

I returned the 10/20 (thank god for petsmart's liberal return policy) and got the 30/40. Seems to be more than aqeduate. Picked up an inline dimmer at home depot for $11.

On a side note, a dimmer IS a rheostat, thats just the technical term for it. I've seen some debate in these forums about one over the other. I think it's important that folks realize they're the same thing. If you would like to test for yourself take a rheostat and a dimmer, plug them into a lamp with a 10-20 watt light bulb and change the power. You'll likely find they do the same thing.

 

[Cheaton]

I'm all set up now, thanks for your help folks! Have a toasty 92 degrees in the middle of my hot zone. I have all og my cheesy homeade hides in place. Sterelized some smooth river rocks I had laying around for a garnish, and voila! Gecko city. Now I just need the leeezard! Btw, is 86 a high enough temp inside of a humid hide? I think it's going to get up to 88, but it's kind of a funny thing that doesn't sit right on the substrate. Thanks again!

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

YAY!