SERIOUS cage temperature problem!

[LetsMugSanta]

Okay so my tank has had a huge problem with temperature ever since the outside temps started to drop. During the summer it was around 95-90 on the hot side and 85-80 on the cool side. The temperature now of this minute is 80.1 on the hot side and 72 on the cool side. During the night it drops a few degrees more on both.

The cage is a 29 gallon aquarium with a 16W UTH that covers a little over 1/3 of the tank. I also have a red bulb heat lamp to help heat up the tank. It is currently in the center on top of the cage. I am using slate tile. The UTH is on the outside underneath the tank.

I have tried numerous things to try and fix this ie. cardboard around the sides and underneath the tank to insulate it. That didn't change it at all. More recently I tried putting the UTH inside of the tank, a very thin layer of sand (about 1/2") on top of it and the floor and then tile on top of the sand. That did raise the temps up a bit, but it still wasnt getting optimum heat or a heat gradient.

The tank IS next to a closed window and the temps outside vary from 40-70 as of this week. Inside the room its about 70-75 room temperature. I KNOW that it is bad to have a tank near the window because of drafts, but there are none, and moving it is unfotunately out of the question due to limited space.

If anyone can help me with this problem it is greatly appreciated, I can post pictures/more information if necessary.

 

[fl_orchidslave]

What kind of thermometer are you using?

 

[LetsMugSanta]

There are two Digital thermometers that both have probes touching the bottom.

 

[reps4life]

Okay so my tank has had a huge problem with temperature ever since the outside temps started to drop. During the summer it was around 95-90 on the hot side and 85-80 on the cool side. The temperature now of this minute is 80.1 on the hot side and 72 on the cool side. During the night it drops a few degrees more on both.

The cage is a 29 gallon aquarium with a 16W UTH that covers a little over 1/3 of the tank. I also have a red bulb heat lamp to help heat up the tank. It is currently in the center on top of the cage. I am using slate tile. The UTH is on the outside underneath the tank.

I have tried numerous things to try and fix this ie. cardboard around the sides and underneath the tank to insulate it. That didn't change it at all. More recently I tried putting the UTH inside of the tank, a very thin layer of sand (about 1/2") on top of it and the floor and then tile on top of the sand. That did raise the temps up a bit, but it still wasnt getting optimum heat or a heat gradient.

The tank IS next to a closed window and the temps outside vary from 40-70 as of this week. Inside the room its about 70-75 room temperature. I KNOW that it is bad to have a tank near the window because of drafts, but there are none, and moving it is unfotunately out of the question due to limited space.

If anyone can help me with this problem it is greatly appreciated, I can post pictures/more information if necessary.

Pictures would be good. I would really try my best to find another area to place the tank. You can end up with a sick Leo very easily.

 

[LetsMugSanta]

Okay this is strange. I moved my probes to see if this would make a difference or not in the temps, they are both slightly towards the middle but still on their hot/cold sides. The temps actually rose to 91.5 on the hot side and 79.5 on the cold side by laying the probes on their sides instead of having them touch with the point. I feel stupid. Anyway I think that may have solved my problem, if it continues to be an issue in the future, I will move the tank.

Also on an unrelated note. The humidity always seems to stay around 45-75%. Is there any way I can lower this? It should be at max, around 40% yet I've never gotten it that low before.

 

[reps4life]

Okay this is strange. I moved my probes to see if this would make a difference or not in the temps, they are both slightly towards the middle but still on their hot/cold sides. The temps actually rose to 91.5 on the hot side and 79.5 on the cold side by laying the probes on their sides instead of having them touch with the point. I feel stupid. Anyway I think that may have solved my problem, if it continues to be an issue in the future, I will move the tank.

Also on an unrelated note. The humidity always seems to stay around 45-75%. Is there any way I can lower this? It should be at max, around 40% yet I've never gotten it that low before.

The only way will be to use a dehumidifier.

 

[LetsMugSanta]

Thanks again for the help. I moved the probes back to the corners of the cage, having them lying on their sides, and the temps drop back down to what I originally stated. It looks like I may have to move it.

 

[reps4life]

I am guessing you have one of the thermometers than read slowly? I was just discussing with someone else the importance of spending a bit more money to buy a better quality thermometer. It can save you tons of problems

 

[LetsMugSanta]

Yeah it takes a few minutes to get an accurate reading but it does the job for now. Looks like I'll have to rearrange the room.

 

[reps4life]

Yeah it takes a few minutes to get an accurate reading but it does the job for now. Looks like I'll have to rearrange the room.

Moving it should make the temps more stable without the drafts.
Well hope it works out

 

[LetsMugSanta]

I will move it tomorrow morning. I will post the results.

Thanks again.

 

[reps4life]

I will move it tomorrow morning. I will post the results.

Thanks again.

Your welcome