Heating Problem

[Pebbles]

I am using an UTH on the bottom of the tank, but the temperature has only reached 80 degrees on that side of the tank. The temperature on my cool side reads 78 degrees. What can I do to increase the temperature on the warm side of the tank? And does the temperature need to be lower on the cool side? How would I do that?

 

[fl_orchidslave]

You need to be using a digital probe thermometer, with probe attached to the floor to get an accurate measurement. They are available at pet shops for around $10. Cool side temp is fine.

 

[Pebbles]

Thanks, I'm going to get one tomorrow.

 

[Pebbles]

I bought a digital thermometer with a probe and it says the warm side is 85 degrees. I also bought a 75 watt black light bulb which helped heat it a little, but I'm afraid the tank is still not warm enough and I'm not sure what else to do..Any ideas?

 

[Russ S]

What size is the tank? Also, what size is the UTH?

 

[Pebbles]

The tank is a 20 long. The UTH says it fits 10-20 gallon tanks.

 

[fl_orchidslave]

A 20 long and standard 20 are two different sizes. The mat needs to cover 1/3 of the floor space.

 

[Pebbles]

what size mat is appropriate for a 20 long?

 

[Russ S]

For a 20 long you would probably need a UTH designed for a 30-40 gallon tank to get the proper temperatures. I would also recommend using a controller with the larger UTH.

 

[Pebbles]

Okay, thank you! I will get one as soon as possible.

 

[Pebbles]

I was able to buy a thermostat controller before I had a chance to buy a bigger UTH, so the controller has definitely helped raise the temperature. I noticed that when I put the thermometer probe right above the UTH the temperature would get to 95. When I had the thermometer probe more near the backside of the tank on the warm side, the temperature read 84.

I am wondering, where am I supposed to be placing the probe to get the most accurate reading? Should the whole warm side be 95 degrees? Do you still recommend replacing the smaller UTH with the bigger one?

 

[Pebbles]

I also just checked the temperature on the cool side of the tank, it is about 71 degrees.

 

[fl_orchidslave]

You want to measure your direct heat source, over the heat mat. Sounds like a good temp now. In cold weather there may be issues again with keeping it warm enough. It would be a good idea to get a larger UTH to be prepared. If you want to go ahead and use it now, the thermostat will keep it from heating up too much after it's adjusted to the desired range.

 

[roger]

You want to measure your direct heat source, over the heat mat. Sounds like a good temp now. In cold weather there may be issues again with keeping it warm enough. It would be a good idea to get a larger UTH to be prepared. If you want to go ahead and use it now, the thermostat will keep it from heating up too much after it's adjusted to the desired range.

Just to add what laney has told u.Measure the temps right under the warm hide since thats where at least my leos like to hide

 

[Pebbles]

Thanks for all the help! My temperatures have been exactly where they should be for the last 24 hours now

 

[fl_orchidslave]

Fantastic

 

[Russ S]

Thanks for all the help! My temperatures have been exactly where they should be for the last 24 hours now

Glad to hear it.