Heat for bioactive tank & misc.

[craigafrechette]

Hello, two things jumped out to me...

1) heat mats or Under Tank Heaters (UTH) are so called because they're designed to go UNDER the tank to provide a hot spot. They are not designed to raise ambient temps. So putting one on the side isn't a great idea. You'll just end up with a warm wall they can't really utilize.

2) there are plenty of THERMOSTATS that are built to support two heat sources. Rheostats are ok, but a thermostat is the proper tool. Much more accurate and reliable. As well as safer and less likely to start a house fire.

Oh, and last thing...don't take shortcuts when it comes to animals. Just because you have a spare UTH sitting around and it's cheaper doesn't make it right for the animal.

[PanUzasny]

Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Hello, two things jumped out to me...

1) heat mats or Under Tank Heaters (UTH) are so called because they're designed to go UNDER the tank to provide a hot spot. They are not designed to raise ambient temps. So putting one on the side isn't a great idea. You'll just end up with a warm wall they can't really utilize.

Craig, I know that the manufacturer's instructions on my UTH specifically stated that it can be placed on the side of the tank. Is it simply that it's not very efficient that you don't recommend it? For garters, I wouldn't imagine you need a lot of additional heat like a different species might require.

Would a side-mounted UTH be beneficial for a different animal setup?

FYI, I read some good points about the cons of side-mounted UTHs as well as someone who says they have been using it successfully with a corn snake at this link:

https://www.beardeddragon.org/forums...?f=28&t=162002

[craigafrechette]

Originally Posted by PanUzasny

Craig, I know that the manufacturer's instructions on my UTH specifically stated that it can be placed on the side of the tank. Is it simply that it's not very efficient that you don't recommend it? For garters, I wouldn't imagine you need a lot of additional heat like a different species might require.

Would a side-mounted UTH be beneficial for a different animal setup?

FYI, I read some good points about the cons of side-mounted UTHs as well as someone who says they have been using it successfully with a corn snake at this link:

https://www.beardeddragon.org/forums...?f=28&t=162002

I guess there may be some species that benefit from a side mounted UTH, but I don't know of any.

And the same product that says it can be side mounted doesn't mention that their product should only be used with a thermostat. They don't mention that their product can spike to dangerous temps that can be fatal to the animals.

[PanUzasny]

Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I guess there may be some species that benefit from a side mounted UTH, but I don't know of any.

And the same product that says it can be side mounted doesn't mention that their product should only be used with a thermostat. They don't mention that their product can spike to dangerous temps that can be fatal to the animals.

Good points, thanks!

[craigafrechette]

Originally Posted by PanUzasny

Good points, thanks!

Happy to share my thoughts and experience. That being said, I definitely don't know everything, hahaha. I could certainly be mistaken, but in my years in this hobby I've never known an experienced keeper who used a side mounted UTH with any success.

[MnGuy]

Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Hello, two things jumped out to me...

1) heat mats or Under Tank Heaters (UTH) are so called because they're designed to go UNDER the tank to provide a hot spot. They are not designed to raise ambient temps. So putting one on the side isn't a great idea. You'll just end up with a warm wall they can't really utilize.

2) there are plenty of THERMOSTATS that are built to support two heat sources. Rheostats are ok, but a thermostat is the proper tool. Much more accurate and reliable. As well as safer and less likely to start a house fire.

Oh, and last thing...don't take shortcuts when it comes to animals. Just because you have a spare UTH sitting around and it's cheaper doesn't make it right for the animal.

Thanks for the info. Which multiple-in-one thermometer do you recommend? I’ll have to order it online because I don’t think I’ve seen one for sale at local stores or at local reptile shows. (I live in a major metro area.) I currently use the Zilla thermometer. I guess I’m incorrectly using thermometer/rheostat interchangeably.

[craigafrechette]

Originally Posted by MnGuy

Thanks for the info. Which multiple-in-one thermometer do you recommend? I’ll have to order it online because I don’t think I’ve seen one for sale at local stores or at local reptile shows. (I live in a major metro area.) I currently use the Zilla thermometer. I guess I’m incorrectly using thermometer/rheostat interchangeably.

Herpstat and Spyder Robotics are the two "best in the game" but they're a bit pricey.

I have a handful of JumpStart thermostats. They are only singles though. I have each heat source on a separate one they're around $30 each. I've been using them for years. I do plan to upgrade to Herpstat at some point though.