Tubs and UTH's

[sushikam]

Ok, so I know I've asked this question before...but I never got a real definitive answer, so I want to make extra sure. I just bought some plastic tubs from office depot (office depot brand) to hold a new gecko. I just want to know if using a UTH on it will be safe. Will it eventually melt or warp the plastic? I know a lot of you use plastic tubs for your racks and use heat tape, but I don't know if heat tape has the same effect as a UTH has on the plastic.

Anyway, just want to make sure this will be okay...thanks!

 

[ataber]

i have 3 tubs setup with uth's currently until i can build a new rack ive never had problems and 2 of them have been running for 6+ months

 

[Baker14]

I also use tubs with UTH's and they are fine. I am not sure the exact temp that melts plastic, but UTH's wont get that hot. TO be on the safe side, you can get a thermostat to monitor the temperature better and be able to keep it at a constant temp.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Can you be more specific? What size are the tubs and what UTH are you going to be using?

 

[sushikam]

Can you be more specific? What size are the tubs and what UTH are you going to be using?

The tubs are about 10x16x6, and now that I looked at them I think they are iris tubs even though the label says office depot. And I have a UTH for 10-20 gal tank, Zoo Med.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Hmmm.... it might get too hot... I really don't know!

 

[sushikam]

Hmmm.... it might get too hot... I really don't know!

LoL...well I thought of that, I was thinking maybe a 1-5 gallon UTH would be better...the only problem is is that I already opened the 10-20 gal UTH and can't return it . I never even used it!

Ok...I decided to take a picture of the tub and how it would look if I were to use the 10-20 gal UTH. I kinda think it's too big.

And I will post that picture hopefully soon, I need to figure out how to make it smaller so that I can put it on here .

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

You could always use a controller or rheostat to keep the wattage down on the UTH. You'd have to experiment with it before subjecting a gecko to it, though!

 

[sushikam]

Ok, heres that pic:

 

[sushikam]

You could always use a controller or rheostat to keep the wattage down on the UTH. You'd have to experiment with it before subjecting a gecko to it, though!

I was planning on getting a rheostat for it, or possibly a thermostat. I am going to test it tomorrow.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Looks like an IRIS tub... (the BEST in my opinion). Have you invested in a digital heat gun? I would be lost without mine!

 

[sushikam]

Yea I went searching for Iris tubs after you and others recommended them, and I couldn't seem to find one, but then when I looked at it a few minutes ago I noticed it is one, just made for office depot I guess. It's exactly what I was looking for!

And what is a digital heat gun? Just measures the heat? Sorry if that was a stupid question !

 

[sushikam]

i have 3 tubs setup with uth's currently until i can build a new rack ive never had problems and 2 of them have been running for 6+ months

What size tubs do you have and what size UTH?

 

[ataber]

2 of them are 28 qt's which are roughly 24" x 17" (lil bit less actually) and have the 10-20 gal and the other is a 28 qt and has the smaller size. they dont stick all that well sometimes but ive heard of people taping them on. I just reattach mine if they come off but doesnt happen enough to worry about...they are run through dimmers to keep the temps regulated too or else they would get way too hot.

btw how much were those tubs...i need some tubs for the rack im gonna build

 

[sushikam]

2 of them are 28 qt's which are roughly 24" x 17" (lil bit less actually) and have the 10-20 gal and the other is a 28 qt and has the smaller size. they dont stick all that well sometimes but ive heard of people taping them on. I just reattach mine if they come off but doesnt happen enough to worry about...they are run through dimmers to keep the temps regulated too or else they would get way too hot.

btw how much were those tubs...i need some tubs for the rack im gonna build

I got a pack of two of them for $8 at office depot. And by what you say I may be best of just getting a smaller UTH for mine since it is smaller. Thanks!