Heating Problems

[Eureka]

When I got Keenk yesterday I was using a heat lamp. I was checking the temp with a digital thermometer+probe. It stayed at 82-83 degree's. I know that UTHs are better, so I went out and bought a Zoo med one. I have a 15 gallon and got the one for 10-20 gallons. I just installed it about an hour ago. It says to wait 6 hours to let the temp adjust. Right now it's staying at 92-93... I know that they like temps around 85-90. What should I do? I can a) wait 6 hours and hope it adjusts in the right temp zone b) take it out and use the heat lamp until I can get a thermostat.

 

[LizMarie]

You can try to buffer it by putting more paper towels under it until you get a thermostat or you can just turn to the light for the next few days if your night temps aren't that low. I would pick the light for now because I heard they can suffer from heat stress.. And it'll be just a few days, right? So it shouldn't be a problem.

I also just found out you can find a light dimmer that can be cheaper then a thermostat but it does have some cons.

 

[Eureka]

How does using a light dimmer work? I may have one laying around.

 

[Grinning Geckos]

Actually, 92-93 is pretty ideal. You just want to be sure it doesn't go above 94.

 

[Grinning Geckos]

As far as the dimmer goes, it works by adjusting the flow of electricity to the UTH which results in a lowering of the temperature. The only real problem is that it's not self-adjusting. You will have to play with it to get the temp you want, then check it frequently to be sure it stays where you want it.

 

[LizMarie]

How does using a light dimmer work? I may have one laying around.

Well to my understanding a dimmer controls the amount power/energy that goes to an electronic item. I think you just plug the UTH into the dimmer then plug that into the wall. Let it set a little and play with it until you get the desired temperature just right. The lower it is the less energy so less heat while the higher it is the more energy and the hotter is it. From the post I just posted in this same section I was told that are sensitive and you should try to put it in a spot that won't be bumped and you should check your temps regularly to make sure its working properly. Its like the cheap alternative to the thermostat.

 

[LizMarie]

You have to really keep an eye on the UTH though because I had an exo-terra one that could reach 105 and that would fry your geckos toes.

 

[Eureka]

Thanks for the help. I swear I have horrible luck. The bulb for my back-up heat lamp died. So I'm going to pick-up a dimmer tomorrow at Wal-Mart. Tonight it will be fine since I can just turn it off at night.

 

[hondawingsfly]

you dont need the light get your temp right with the uth and rheostat and get rid of the heat lamp, leos dont normally bask or anything and if they do its because they dont have a uth haha. good luck your at the right place!

 

[Eureka]

Yeah I'm not using the heat lamp anymore. After I pick it the dimmer I will just use my UTH.