General dumb question...

[Ridge Runner_20]

Okay, I've finally stepped into the 20th Century of snake keeping and purchased thermostats for the UTHs on our enclosures (I had been using a dimmer prior to that; Christmas gifts to the snakes! :)). My question is regarding keeping belly heat spots at the proper temps. For my boa, for example, I always set my dimmer-controlled UTH to where I get about 90-92F surface temp (measured on the glass bottom w/ a digital temp gun). Now, with the thermostat probe taped directly to the underside of the UTH, I'm finding I'm having to set the upper limit temp considerably higher than my desired 90-92F surface temp to maintain that range (96+F). I knew some heat would obviously be dissipated through the 1/4" of glass bottom, but it just surprised me how much. Is there a better way to measure/maintain my belly temps?

Thanks in advance!

RR_20 (Mike)

[infernalis]

heat rises, putting the probe under the pad is the wrong place for it.

[youngster]

Bury the probe in the substrate where the snake won't move it but it will still be useful.
I use the corner of a hide.

[Ridge Runner_20]

Great point/idea. I just didn't figure 1/4" would make enough difference to account for heat rising. I believe I will sneak the probe onto the floor of the enclosures. Thanks!

RR_20 (Mike)

[alessia55]

I put the probe inside the cage too, under the hide

[SnakeyJay]

Same here.. But mine are for lights so its ontop of the substrate for me, with the wire wedged under a hide to keep it in place.

[ZARADOZIA]

I have my probe in the center of the UTH inside the cage under the substrate. Substrate holds heat and Sasha likes to burrow under/inside it.