[Samajade]

Hoping you guys can help here. I have 2 new young AFT females in a 10 gallon tank. I first had a ZooMed UTH made for 1-5 gallons. Couldn't get the temps on the floor over 80. I went right away and got the ZooMed UTH made for 10-20 gallons. I peeled the paper and stuck aluminum foil on there (so it was movable and REmovable), then stuck it to the underside with foil tape on 2 edges. Still can't get the temp over 85 - tops. (As I type, it's 84.2.) I'm using an Exo-Terra digital thermometer/hygometer with the probe on the floor right over the UTH. The floor has an Eco-carpet covered with 2 layers of paper towel. I actually taped (with foil tape) the original smaller UTH (the one for 1-5 gal) to the back wall at the bottom to try to help the heat situation, but it's not helping I think.

I was told (and did buy but haven't installed) to get a ceramic heat emitter (100 watt) and dome to bring the ambient temps up (which, even on the hot side are only about high 70s). Is this right? What should I do here? (I did also buy an Intelli-temp heat pad but haven't started using it yet - will that matter you think?)

My house temps are usually very low 70s during the day, and about 66-68 at night. If it matters, I plan, VERY soon, on putting tile down instead of the carpet/paper towels. Oh, and both girls stay in one specific hide (the one without moist sphagnum) all day. No idea what they do after dark - dunno if they use the cool side at all though there's sometimes poop over there.

Sorry for the essay here - just wanted to give you as much info as you needed to best advise! Thanks.

[kenidi]

I wish I could help you out! I am having the same problems with my Zoomed UTH on both my leo's tank (20g) and my ball python tub (10ish g) Right now I have to use a basking lamp during the day, and a Infrared at night just to keep the basking side at 90ish. I am thinking about investing in some heat emmiters really soon