Just being overly worried. Gecko's going to be here tomorrow question

[Car73]

Ok so my son's Geckos will be here tomorrow and I have some questions. I have had the thermometor on all morning checking the temp in the warm area of the cage. It has just reached 82 degrees. I am worried that is not warm enough. My UTH is only a 6 x 23. They were out of the 11 x 17 size the lady recommended but she said this one should work. Could that be why its not getting warm enough? Should I buy another 6 x 23 and put beside the other one? I am just so worried I will do something wrong. I bought a light but many on this site have said to not use the light. Please help I need some answers.

Thanks
Carlene

 

[scm133]

What size tank? Is the UTH attached under the tank? Is there a small space between bottom of tank and table? Sometimes this helps air circulation and makes the UTH more efficient. Also, what is your substrate in tank? Are you getting the reading off the substrate?

 

[Car73]

The tank is 36 long and 18 wide and 17 tall. I am using reptile carpet. I think the UTH is directly on the bottom. I thought it needed to be. We followed the direction off the UTH and put polystyrine layered after the heater was placed on bottom of tank. Do I just lay the prob on the bottom of the tank right on the carpet? Not sure if I measured it that close.

Thanks
Carlene

 

[StewartTHEGecko]

The tank is 36 long and 18 wide and 17 tall. I am using reptile carpet. I think the UTH is directly on the bottom. I thought it needed to be. We followed the direction off the UTH and put polystyrine layered after the heater was placed on bottom of tank. Do I just lay the prob on the bottom of the tank right on the carpet? Not sure if I measured it that close.

Thanks
Carlene

Did the UTH come with rubber feet? that would help if the tank wasn't laying on the cord. If you can, go back to the store and see if they have in stock now. That temp may be fine for a day. IDK.

 

[scm133]

I have always attached the UTH to the outside bottom. The kind I purchased had a sticky side. I always thought thus was better so they would never have direct contact with the UTH, like getting between the carpet and the UTH. The polystyrene should keep that from happening, so I think you are ok. Yes lay the probe on top of the carpet. You may have to tape it down, so it is touching the carpet. The 6 x 23 should work.

 

[BrightReptiles]

Actually, 23" long heat pad is quite a bit large for a 36" long tank. You generally want to cover 1/3 to 1/2 of an entire side of the tank to create a proper temperature gradient. You want something close to 12x18 or 18x18 at most. They don't make those exact sizes to my knowledge but you should be looking for something close.