How to "fasten" down a temp probe?!

Skumbo · 03-15-12, 09:01 AM

So i have these for my vivs:

Amazon.com: Hydrofarm MTPRTC Digital Thermostat For Heat Mats: Patio, Lawn & Garden

they work fantastic except for one thing.. the little suction cup that holds the temperature probe thingy at the bottom of the substrate isnt great. It holds the probe in place fine, but as soon as he slithers over it or, on a rare occation tries to climb the wire, the probe gets pulled out of place and the heat mat cranks because its not reading correctly. Obviously, thats a bad thing!

Anyone else had a problem with these? Common sense would be to tape it to the bottom/up the side so he cant climb it, but I've heard tape can be HORRIBLE for snakes if they get caught in the sticky stuff at all, and with a decent humidity (70-75 ish) it might come off easily, unless I used gorilla tape.. which if he ever got near that would be horrible!

So.. is there any way you guys have been able to "fasten" down these? I tried putting a rock over the wire to hold it down, but he pulled it out again. id need a huge rock to keep it there i'd imagine.. lol..

I was thinking.. maybe a bigger suction cup? But how would i get it attached to the wire.. Hmm..

Gungirl · 03-15-12, 09:03 AM

You can use a little bit of hot glue to attach the probe to where you want it to stay.

Skumbo · 03-15-12, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gungirl

You can use a little bit of hot glue to attach the probe to where you want it to stay.

That wont hurt the probe at all?

youngster · 03-15-12, 09:25 AM

Mayhem loves to climb on the probe wire so I just wrap it around his perch and it kinda is like another perch and the more he climbs on it the tighter it holds, no adhesive needed.

Skumbo · 03-15-12, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by youngster

Mayhem loves to climb on the probe wire so I just wrap it around his perch and it kinda is like another perch and the more he climbs on it the tighter it holds, no adhesive needed.

got a pic of that? not sure how you'd have that, but seems like a good idea..

Jenn_06 · 03-15-12, 09:58 AM

I don't think hotgule would be good try tape. I need to get a few of those, they are cheaper then the last time I looked at them.

Snakefood · 03-15-12, 10:01 AM

I use aquarium silicone to attach the probe and it's wire to the tank.

Lankyrob · 03-15-12, 10:23 AM

I run the probe wire under the water bowl with teh actual "probe" visible and under the heat lamp. The weight of the bowl plus water is enough that the snakes dont move it.

Gungirl · 03-15-12, 11:22 AM

I use hot glue on all mine.. It works great.

SnakeyJay · 03-15-12, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

I run the probe wire under the water bowl with teh actual "probe" visible and under the heat lamp. The weight of the bowl plus water is enough that the snakes dont move it.

That's exactly what I do as I use heat lamps...

Skumbo · 03-15-12, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

I run the probe wire under the water bowl with teh actual "probe" visible and under the heat lamp. The weight of the bowl plus water is enough that the snakes dont move it.

good idea! I've been meaning to give them water on each side rather than just the cold side anyway (especially for my BRB cause i figure shell want to soak no matter if shes hot or cold, she should have a choice.

I don't have a heat lamp though, I have heat pads, would the water absorb too much heat and throw it off?

Skumbo · 03-15-12, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gungirl

I use hot glue on all mine.. It works great.

What part are you hot glueing? the actual probe.. or the wire? Id assuming hot gluing the wire in place would be good, but i dont want to damage the wire.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jenn_06

I don't think hotgule would be good try tape. I need to get a few of those, they are cheaper then the last time I looked at them.

My issue with tape was in the OP, if the snake gets tape on it.. that would be realllly bad. and the type of tape id need in a humid enclosure wouldnt come off easily.

Gungirl · 03-15-12, 01:05 PM

I put a small bit of hot glue on the end of the probe and then I hot glue a little of the wire. My snakes have yet to move a probe. I did however have to replace a viv and the hot glue was easy to remove from the probe and wire without damage.

mykee · 03-15-12, 04:39 PM

I don't put probes in the enclosure.
I attached them directly to the heat source and calibrate it that way.
Too much trouble the way you're doing it.

Lankyrob · 03-15-12, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mykee

I don't put probes in the enclosure.
I attached them directly to the heat source and calibrate it that way.
Too much trouble the way you're doing it.

Mykee, just wondering if you have ever used heat bulbs and if so what did you do with the probe then?