What size Zoo Med pad for 30x12x12 tank?

[Crunchewy]

I want to switch from overhead heat lamps to a Zoo Med pad. I looked at them at Petsmart and saw that there were several sizes. Our tank is 30x12x12. What size pad should I use? They were listed in gallon sizes, but actually I'm not sure how many gallons that tank is. The tank said it was "20 long". Does that mean 20 gallons? And does that even matter for this? How much of the bottom of the tank should the pad cover?

 

[marauderhex]

You want a pad that will cover approximately 1/3rd of the tank.

 

[Crunchewy]

Thanks! Does it matter if it doesn't cover the depth (front to back) of the tank? I don't think any of them did but I'm not sure.

Also, do you lower the temp (via dimmer) at night, or just keep it at about 90 deg all the time on the warm side?

 

[OnlineGeckos]

For 30x12x12 tanks you want the "medium" size Zoo Med UTH. It doesn't have to cover the full depth, just need to be big enough for you to place a hide or two over the warm spots for your gecko.

You keep it between 90-95 all the time, don't need to drop temperature at night.

 

[abrahamavelar]

u could get a thermostat t keep it in that range,this looks pretty good its digital and cheap hydrofarm mtprtc digital thermostat for heat mats mardy recommended that one to me in another thread

 

[Crunchewy]

I think I'll order that, but it won't arrive until Wednesday. Could I get a (hopefully cheap) dimmer from radio shack and use that with the heat pad for now?

 

[abrahamavelar]

Or u could add a piece of cardboard right where the uth is

 

[Crunchewy]

That would be enough to lower the temp to 90-94? We currently have paper towels on the floor. Do you mean to put it between the heat pad and the glass, or inside under the paper towels?

 

[abrahamavelar]

Inside between the glass n paper towels

 

[Crunchewy]

My thermostat is actually going to arrive tomorrow, so I'll just put on the heat pad then.

 

[abrahamavelar]

so wha thermostat did u endup getting????, idk when mine arrives

 

[Phil]

Use this guys, work really well for me.

http://www.homedepot.ca/product/credenza-tabletop-300w-dimmer-in-white/971428

 

[abrahamavelar]

i used that guy b4 but not for a uth, the only thing about it u dont know where is the exact temp u want it at

 

[Phil]

Just use a digital termometer, put it on the floor and monitor the temp. Simple as that.

 

[abrahamavelar]

true

 

[Crunchewy]

I got the one Mardy recommended. Hydrofarm Digital Heat Mat Thermostat from amazon.