How to use Rheostat?

[Zexion~]

Okay so I just moved my snake to a larger tank and decided to put the heating mat on the side due to my snake being a corn (burrower) I'd really like it not to crack at all this time now since its on the side and I bought https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/614NbqYKSML._SY355_.jpg One of these a while ago, but the thing is it requires you to stick onto the heat source/glass where it is located but how the hell are you supposed to do that while still being able to close the tank? My snake goes through periods of activity where he still tries to open the tank and he most definitely could if its not closed.

Am I missing something obvious? I bought it a while ago and can get another but they all seem to have the same parts. Right now I've just stuck it to the glass above the heating mat on the outside idk how much that can give it readings wise.

[chairman]

Your heat source should be on the outside of the tank. The probe goes between the heat pad and the glass.

[dannybgoode]

Bear in mind a rheostat doesn't control the temperature of the viv merely provides controllable constant power to the heat source.

If the temperature goes up the rheostat continues to provide the same power thus there is a danger of overheating.

A thermostat is an automated rheostat so it varies the power depending on the temperature at the probe thus maintaining a constant temperature. I'd personally ditch the rheostat and get a thermostat accordingly.

[Scubadiver59]

Id suggest putting an extra digital thermometer probe on the top of the substrate if you want a true temp in the hide--using a laser thermometer is all well and good, but sometimes you can't "shoot" inside the hides w/o disturbing the snake. I still use a laser thermometer, but the probe is easier deal with, and they only cost $10 (ZooMed).

Be aware, the bottom probe, between the glass and UTH, will always register a higher temp since there is heat loss through the glass and through the substrate-- you might register 96F at the UTH, and only high 80s in the hide, if low 90s.

As a personal recommendation for rheostats...I won't use them. I had your pictured model and it had a 20deg F swing in temps...not good IMO. I say go proportional thermostat, but they aren't cheap...but nobody said keeping live snakes was cheap!

Your heat source should be on the outside of the tank. The probe goes between the heat pad and the glass.

[chairman]

I was under the impression that the pictured product is an on/off thermostat, not a rheostat. Not sure why a rheostat would have a temperature probe.

Less expensive thermostats can have rather large temperature swings.

[ThirteenRavens]

I have 3 of these and they work well for me. Better than one of the Hydrofarm thermostats I have. That one had huge temp swings so I replaced it with one of these and no more issues (to each their own) although I would love a couple Herpstats :yes:

I have screen tops that are secured with homemade tank straps, all the cords are situated in the corners and the lids fit well. I've included pics (sorry if they are hard to see...the lighting in this house is abhorrent :no: )

http://i.imgur.com/ysmYmKd.jpg?1

http://i.imgur.com/WPmAIAY.jpg?1

[jjhill001]

I just use the really absurdly basic ones from Big Apple Herp. Easy and really good quality as far as I can tell.

[Zexion~]

Thanks all you guys helped!

Although if I'm trying to control the temperature my heating matt is running at what should I buy?