UTH with new tile floor....

[Neill]

Well i got the new tile in on my Leo cage. Didn't work so well with my Bearded cage (tiles just a little to wide). NEW PROBLEM the UTH with the tile i put the heat meter on the tile to measure and getting readings of like 102-104 off the tile. Isn't that way to hot for there hide area/floor???

 

[LeapinLizards]

I would say that is too hot. You will need a controller of some sort...a thermostat, rheostat, lamp dimmer, etc.

 

[Neill]

So now i need some sort of fancy most likely $$$$ item that will read the tile floor where the UTH is, and turn it off when it hits the high 90s and back on when in 80s??? Where would i find such an item? Never seen anything like that at my pets stores. Just on off timers for day night cycles. Which i am already using.

 

[LizMarie]

So now i need some sort of fancy most likely $$$$ item that will read the tile floor where the UTH is, and turn it off when it hits the high 90s and back on when in 80s??? Where would i find such an item? Never seen anything like that at my pets stores. Just on off timers for day night cycles. Which i am already using.

They don't have to cost a lot of money and don't need to be fancy. If you want to get the best of the best you'll need to pay $$$$ but there are many cheaper options.

- Light Dimmers/ Rheostats: Basically reduce the amount of power of the UTH. It will not turn on/off. Light dimmers can be found in a hardware store or walmart/target/kmart, etc and could cost like $10. Rheostats depending on brand will be a little more. I have this one from Zoo Med ( http://www.reptilesupply.com/product.php?products_id=77 ) .. From personal use I DO NOT RECOMMEND them, especially if the temps in your house aren'y constant. If they aren't you'll have to adjust it like ten 10xs a day.

- Thermostat: The cheap ones atleast turn on and off when they reach the desired temperature. I've heard this is a good one and plan to get it myself. http://www.bigappleherp.com/BAH-1000-Thermostat?sc=2&category=15 . If you want to get the better thermostats that are proportional you'll need a Helix (i think) or something like that and they are $100+.

Hope that helps.

 

[acpart]

The Big Apple thermostat listed above looks good. I have also had good experience with the alife or ESU thermostats which are (or used to be) a little cheaper. You can get one for the best price either mail order from a herp supply place or ebay. You could also get the rheostat (sold for $10-11 as a "lamp dimmer" at Home Depot) and use it until you can find the best price on a thermostat.

Aliza

 

[sitting_duck]

I'm not sure if anyone has suggestest this yet.

You could just put some reptile carpet/newspaper/paper towels over the tile until the heat drops to desired temps.

 

[IcedC]

i just put tiles down and ran into the same problem... I am installing the rheostat today, will let you know how it works out...

 

[IcedC]

I got the zoo med rheostat and I'm using it with a zoo med 10gal UTH and it works fine... As someone said earlier if the temp in your house moves around or if your leo is in a drafty area it may be a challenge to keep the right temp so an actual thermostat may be in order, but for me I set it at slightly less then medium and the temp stays between 92 and 94...

The rheostat was $21.99...

 

[larry26]

I just recently bought a uth, digital thermometer and a thermostat from www.reptilesupply.com and all together including shiping it only cost $65

 

[Ross85]

I've been using the inexpensive zoo med thermostat. People have said it doesn't keep the temps constant, but I have mine staying within a 2 degree range. Works great for me, you just have to make sure the sensor is tight to the floor. I also have a home made rheostat in the line so just in case the thermostat acts up the UTH won't get too hot.