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Monty is my Python
Joined: 26 Feb 2008 Posts: 118 Location: Vermont
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Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 8:27 pm Post subject: Cooling down a UTH |
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SO i had a small (10-20) uth from exo-terra, i believe set for desert, i used for my BP Monty for a while. gladly i noticed shorty after buying a proper thermometer it was way too hot, so i stopped using it. Monty has since got a much parger one that is set for tropical and keeps his hot hide at a nice 90-94.
Here's the rub, I just picked up a locally bred juvenile Hog island boa and i'm using the old uth. i don't wanna go get onther one but he's also getting probe readings of over 100, so i have to keep turning it on and off! In interest of my recenlty depleated bank account (hehe had to buy him such a cool pattern) due to my new snake, is there any way i can calm this thing down so i can get the right temps (90-96 for these guys). Maybe not stick it to the tank, or put something under the substrate?
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PlayBall
Joined: 11 Feb 2008 Posts: 592 Location: Chicago, IL
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Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 9:00 pm Post subject: |
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Getting a rheo stat or t-stat would be much easier, but If you don't want to spend any money I suggest putting the uth on the side of the tank and not underneath. Rheo stats are not that expensive tho. They run about 25 bucks online and is a much safer way for you and your reptile
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Number 2
Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Posts: 520 Location: Kaukauna, WI
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Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 10:03 pm Post subject: |
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I bought a rheostat (light dimmer) from a local hardware store for $9. It's rated up to 300W. More than enough for the UTH and cheaper than a "Reptile" one.
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RonCrawford Site Admin

Joined: 04 May 2006 Posts: 2005 Location: Pottsville, PA (USA)
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Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 10:18 pm Post subject: |
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| Number 2 wrote: | | I bought a rheostat (light dimmer) from a local hardware store for $9. It's rated up to 300W. More than enough for the UTH and cheaper than a "Reptile" one. |
They actually work very well. 
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arlynos
Joined: 10 Mar 2008 Posts: 690 Location: whitney point, ny
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Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 10:40 pm Post subject: |
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about to say the rheostat I bought was only 15 at the local pet store, but yea putting it on the side may decrease the heat it puts out, but it might not best thing to do is get a rheostat, a tstat would be best.
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Monty is my Python
Joined: 26 Feb 2008 Posts: 118 Location: Vermont
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arlynos
Joined: 10 Mar 2008 Posts: 690 Location: whitney point, ny
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Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 12:45 am Post subject: |
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Any type of dimmer should do the trick so long as it can take what the UTH is throwing at it, The only thing is that you have to adjust it a lot to get it right, but once you do you should be golden.
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Monty is my Python
Joined: 26 Feb 2008 Posts: 118 Location: Vermont
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Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 12:51 am Post subject: |
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thats cool i got a lot of time on my hands 
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a_green
Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 651 Location: Vancouver, BC Canada
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Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 1:30 am Post subject: |
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I went through a somewhat similar situation once. In my early days with my BP I realized only after I got my BP home that the equipment I had on hand was insufficient and problematic, and it would take a few days for stuff ordered online to come to me.
During that time I used a regular plug-in heating pad (like you'd use for yourself) underneath the rubbermaid container my BP was living in at the time; I just kept it on low and checked it very, very frequently. Certainly not optimal nor the safest, but it did the job during a tough spot.
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Number 2
Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Posts: 520 Location: Kaukauna, WI
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Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 7:12 am Post subject: Re: eh? |
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Those are exactly what I use! I have four of them now until I build my reptile room. Then I will buy a T-Stat.
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Monty is my Python
Joined: 26 Feb 2008 Posts: 118 Location: Vermont
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Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 11:02 pm Post subject: got em |
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got two one for Monty's basking light, and one for Puck Nasty's overheated uth... and they ROCK. super cheap and easy to use, definatly recommend it over a "reptile" rheostat that will cost like 40 bucks. have had perfect emps for two days now after only a few adjustments.
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Number 2
Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Posts: 520 Location: Kaukauna, WI
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Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 8:46 am Post subject: |
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They even sell these at Wal-Mart. I seem them as I walked through the lighting isle. A whopping dollar less than the hardware store!
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