Need help with choosing the right heating source

[Kristina]

Hi everybody,


I have 12"x12"x30" tank. Substrate is paper towels for now. I am planning to switch to slate tiles. I have 6"x8" 8 Watts UTH running 24/7. Temperature in the hide right above the UTH is 90-92. Temprature on the cool side of the tank is 66-72 during day and 60-61 during night. Should I add CHE on the cool side of the tank or will swithing to bigger UTH do the trick for bringing cool side temperatures to low 80's?


Thanks!

 

[tb144050]

You can insulate around the bottom of the tank to trap the uth's heat and keep the cool side a little warmer. Also, covering about 50% of the top screen will raise ambient air temp and should raise floor temp a little. If you still arent at the right temp on coolside, i would probably get a small uth and use a thermostat for the coolside.

 

[Kristina]

Thanks, tb144050!

What would you suggest to use for insulation?

 

[lisa127]

IMO, the heat pad is not larger enough for that size tank. 6" x 8" is pretty tiny. For that size tank I use an 11" x 11" ultratherm UTH.

 

[tb144050]

^^^^ probably has alotttt more experience than me.

For insulation, you use anything that blocks the air-drafts (and traps heat under). it can be door liner/insulation from walmart or even just cut-up old towels. (beware of flammable material too close to heat sources.....but 90-F shouldnt be hot enough to ignite anything at all??)