UTH Regulation

[Jo060]

I am setting up my tank for my 1st BP and I am trying to get the temps. right. The temp. directly above the UTH is reading 101 which I know is too hot. Is it ok to place something between the glass and the substrate to lower the heat? :confused: What temp. do I need to be worried about the glass being damaged?

Is getting a Rheostat the only answer or is there another option? :medcoolgu

[mango]

Yes you can make your substrate thicker. what substrate are you using. you can try to use more layers but i don't think the glass should be damaged. you can make your own rheostat. it's pretty simple and they work. i made my own and it works great. =D

[Solid Snake]

buy those reostats(sp)? they aren't that much. If u have the supplies make it. or just get more substrate and pile it over the hot area.

[mykee]

DO NOT pile more substrate over the hot area. The snake WILL move the substrate out of the way, and burn itself. If you invested in a BP, then invest in a GOOD QUALITY rheostat or proportional thermostat to keep him well heated, and healthy. Good luck.

[Jo060]

Its not really substrate that we are piling on. It is Terry Cloth UNDER the substrate.

Still bad idea? or go w/ the rheostat?
Thanks :)

[mykee]

I would not take the chance, but it's up to you. BP's will try to get as warm as they can, even if it will harm them. I had one of my BP's, my male albino, in a glass aqurium some time ago. I used that repti-carpet stuff on the bottom, and cypress chips on top of that, about 2" or so. The temp. on the surface of the chips was about 92 or so. Within a day, he had burrowed down through the substrate, and was laying directly on the carpet, which was about 102. He had some belly burns. I moved all my BP's to a rack system with rubbermaids and heat tape immediately following this stunt. Again, it's your snake, but that was my experience with the whole piling substrate story..................

[mango]

Here are the instructions to build your own rheostat if you want to try it that way. I would think that would be your best move.
http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=15615&highlight=rheostat

[mango]

Try this one it's better. http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=15615&highlight=rheostat