Question about UTH's

[nats]

I'm new to the UTH concept. Always used overhead heat sorce.
Anyway, my instruction sheet says to put your temp probe under your substrate so its between the floor and substrate. So I did that. I use lab bench paper as a substrate (glorified paper towels!) and set my Helix thermostate to 91. I also have a thermometer to monitor the temp and it's probe is ON TOP of the paper substrate. I noticed that the thermometer always reads several degrees cooler then what I have the thermostate set for. It's like the paper substrate acts as a kind of insulator!?
I would hate to have to put the probe on top where it can be seen, but that seems to be the only way to really get the right temp to my leo's belly!

Am I doing something wrong? How do you guys have yours set up? :main_huh:

 

[acpart]

I keep all my probes on top of the substrate. It seems to me it should be measuring the temperature where the gecko is going to be.

Aliza

 

[zzz888]

You MUST place uth outside the tank! It should go under the tank.
THe main reason I avoid using paper as substrate is it almost impossible to get right temperature. Sand is good heat conductor, it is much better than paper.

 

[nats]

You MUST place uth outside the tank! It should go under the tank.
THe main reason I avoid using paper as substrate is it almost impossible to get right temperature. Sand is good heat conductor, it is much better than paper.

Here you go again with your sand!! :main_rolleyes:
I'm going to nick name you the "Sand Man"!!

First, I know sand is a great heat conductor, we use it in the chem lab for that purpose.
Second, I will NOT use, or recommend loose sand as a substrate for leos of any age, sex, or weather they hunt crickets, or eat mealies from a bowl!
And yes, I know there are herp care books out there that recommend sand, but guess what! just because it's in a book doesnt mean it's right!
Also, you may say, hey, I've had my leos on sand for years and on problems! That's great! I dont believe you, but thats great!!

If there is even a 10% chance of impaction or eye infections due to sand, why on earth would you want to take that chance?

And thanks for the UTH advise btw!