UTH inside or outside?

[Drexciya]

We have been using a human heat pad (for 2 wks) with our Leos and just purchased a bigger tank and a Exo Terra UTH. Should this be mounted inside the tank under the slate tile or under the tank against the glass? Thanks for your help!

 

[GeeEssFore]

I am also using slate. I found that even mounted outside the slate got to 100 degrees and I had to get a thermostat. Inside im sure would be MUCH hotter.

 

[Leopardbreeder]

Yes mount it on the glass outside the tank on the bottom.

 

[Drexciya]

How to you measure the temp of the slate? We have a probe that we stuck in the sand to measure the heat of the sand but now sure how to do it with slate.
I know, we were told wrong about the sand at the pet store. So we are switching over. No more sand. It would happened a lot sooner if we didn't have to wait a week for the new tank to be in stock!

 

[Leopardbreeder]

What you want to do it put some CLAY around the probe and stick it over where the UTH is. DO NOT use tape. I have had some terrible experience with reptiles getting their heads stuck.

 

[Drexciya]

How long does it take for the slate to heat up? or even the UTH itself?

 

[Leopardbreeder]

Not long....I wouldn't be able to give an exact number. The thickness of the slate also alters the warm-up.

 

[GeeEssFore]

How to you measure the temp of the slate? We have a probe that we stuck in the sand to measure the heat of the sand but now sure how to do it with slate.
I know, we were told wrong about the sand at the pet store. So we are switching over. No more sand. It would happened a lot sooner if we didn't have to wait a week for the new tank to be in stock!

My thermostat has a probe with a suction cup. If I use my thermometer the thermostat is only 1-2 degrees off.

 

[Leopardbreeder]

I can see from the photo you are using air temperature. You should be measuring surface temp. As far as the thermostat probe, it is reading, for example, 86* but the surface temp is 95*. This is because the temp. is not the same an inch up as it is on the surface.

 

[Drexciya]

Thanks for the posted picture! That helps out a lot.

 

[GeeEssFore]

I can see from the photo you are using air temperature. You should be measuring surface temp. As far as the thermostat probe, it is reading, for example, 86* but the surface temp is 95*. This is because the temp. is not the same an inch up as it is on the surface.

No you are only seeing the one thermometer. The probe for the thermostat is touching the surface and the thermostat is set to turn on under 90 degrees. I have a infrared laser thermometer and the surface of the slate never goes over 89-91.

 

[lytlesnake]

Honestly I'm not trying to be a smart-ass here, but UTH stands for "Under Tank Heater". Therefore, logically it should be placed "under" the tank. I think you already figured that out, but I couldn't resist.

 

[Drexciya]

Yea, I know, but I always need people to draw me a picture!

 

[Drexciya]

GeeEssFore: where did you get the temp probe?

 

[GeeEssFore]

Its comes with the thermostat