UTH suddenly struggling

[xboxmember1978]

Has anyone even had this problem? My setups consist of all the same products, like medium Exo-Terra UTH and each tank has it's own Repti-Temp 500R. I have had this setup the same way for yrs and I have never moved the tanks ect.. I have noticed here lately that one of the tanks thermostats on light is almost on all the time and the temp struggles to get to about 91f-92f and my others only take about 4-5 minutes to get to that temp and shut off. At first I thought maybe it was the thermostat going bad so I unplugged the UTH and plugged it in directly into a wall outlet and the temps were still struggling so now I know it's the UTH.

Isn't it kinda weird that it use to work fine and now it's not? UTH's are made pretty simple and it seems like they would either work or not...lol..can anyone comment


Just so you know. Here is my setup

 

[nats]

You would think a UTH would last a really long time. Like you said, they are very simple, but I guess yours didnt!!
I would think the thermostat would go bad first.

Looks like it's time to get a new one.

 

[xboxmember1978]

It's almost acting like the UTH is only getting 1/2 power. It comes on at the same temp as usual(89f) but it takes 30-45 minutes to reach 92f which is a long time compared to my 2 others. This one use to only take about 4-5 minutes like the rest

 

[nats]

It does sound like it's toast!!

I always keep a spare in case. But that's just me, I dont trust anything!!

The ones they sell at Bean Farm (that's what I use) are said to be the best in the business. They are infrared, and very thin. No adhesive backing, but silicone cement (aquarium glue) works great for mounting them to your terrarium. You should also have styrofoam sheet as insulation so the heat only radiates in only one direction (up! where your leo's belly is!!).

 

[nats]

On the very top pic, it looks like your leo's head peering out of his Exo Terra hide!! Or is that just a shadow?

BTW, what is that your using as a substrate?

 

[xboxmember1978]

I don't think thats my leo sticking his head out. It looks like a shadow. My substrate is non adhesive shelf liner. I LOVE it. It's so easy to clean and cheap too plus it makes the tanks look clean and neat


Here is some more up close pix

 

[nats]

I like that too (the paper substrate I mean!) :main_yes:

I use something like it.
It's lab bench absorbent paper w/ plastic film linning.
It comes from lab supply places like Fisher Scientific in a huge roll
for like $100.00.

Where do you buy this stuff?
Can you order it online? :main_huh:

 

[xboxmember1978]

Actually the shelf liner that I use is not the paper like kind, it kinda has a soft rubbery feel to it. I get it at Wal*Mart for $6.99 a roll and 1 roll does like 4-5 20L tanks. This stuff is much better then the paper like shelf liner cause this kind can go into the washer for easy cleaning. It even says "machine washable" on the label

 

[nats]

Actually the shelf liner that I use is not the paper like kind, it kinda has a soft rubbery feel to it. I get it at Wal*Mart for $6.99 a roll and 1 roll does like 4-5 20L tanks. This stuff is much better then the paper like shelf liner cause this kind can go into the washer for easy cleaning. It even says "machine washable" on the label

That sounds neat :main_yes:
What's the name of the stuff so I can try it out.
Or a link would even be better please

Does it have any "chemical" odor to it?

 

[xboxmember1978]

It has no chemical ordor at all. The last time I used it I opened a new roll and had torn the label off of it so I don't know who makes it but check your local Wal*Mart. I have been using it for years but never really looked at the label to much...lol

 

[GeckoGathering]

Long Time?

. I have had this setup the same way for yrs and I have never moved the tanks ect.. I have noticed here lately that one of the tanks thermostats on light is almost on all the time and the temp struggles to get to about 91f-92f and my others only take about 4-5 minutes to get to that temp and shut off.

Well, I'm not sure what a long time is but the manufacture of the ZOO-MED offers a one year guarantee full on parts and labor......but thats it. .........they really don't mention using on and off controls from thermostats, etc. either............On and off yearly adjusting IMO could put more wear on parts than steady power and may cut down on the lifetime of the product........Just my opinion..
..I use no controls except power strips/light to show if off....
Heating from 10 gallons to 55 gallons with no problems and no UTH burn outs as each is separate powered.......take care. HJ