Will UTH burn leo's
- Thread starter leogecko
- Start date
Riverside Reptiles
Administrator (HMFIC)
UTH = UNDER THE TANK heater
Allee Toler
Member
I keep mine in the tank. I have a hole in the tank to put the chord through. I only do this because it doesn't get hot enough for my tank if it's under the tank. I have slate directly over it and it stays at 85F.
I probably need to get a new one. Mine is, after all, four years old. Hah.
But I would keep it under the tank.
I probably need to get a new one. Mine is, after all, four years old. Hah.
But I would keep it under the tank.
Allee Toler
Member
I keep mine in the tank, but I stated my reasoning's, Shawn. When I had repti-carpet, it was under the tank. So I don't appreciate you stated I'm not knowledgeable.
ColdBlooded
New member
As has been stated, UTHs are designed to stick to the underside of a glass tank. If your UTH is only reaching 85F I would consider getting a new one. Your leo should have a ground temp of at least 92F for proper digestion and thermoregulation. I keep mine up at 97F on the warm side with no issues.
Keeping the UTH inside, glued to the floor can possibly lead to dangerous situations. Crickets and super/meal worms can chew the pad, exposing the wires. Dirt can work it's way under the pad which can get unstuck.
One option for keeping the UTH inside, safely away from feeders and geckos is a contraption like I use in my melamine enclosures:
One option for keeping the UTH inside, safely away from feeders and geckos is a contraption like I use in my melamine enclosures:
Riverside Reptiles
Administrator (HMFIC)
Sandwiching a UTH between the tank and something like slate can also cause the UTH to overheat, which can cause shortened life of your UTH, burns to your animal, and could even cause an electrical fire...especially if you don't have it on some type of thermostat on it. Hilde's idea is a great way to do it if you want to have your UTH inside the tank.
I said under conditions, like you have a hole in the bottom. Sorry if you took it like that. You are very knowledgeable.
Allee Toler
Member
What's with the bashing?? This is my set up, sorry for the sloppy diagram on paint, I'm a lefty not a righty:
I've taken over heating to consideration, I've thought it through.
And I repeat: The UTH is old, so I have a lamp to keep it at 89-92F all day and night.
I've taken over heating to consideration, I've thought it through.
And I repeat: The UTH is old, so I have a lamp to keep it at 89-92F all day and night.
ColdBlooded
New member
I don't think anyone was bashing you, just giving an opinion.
Allee Toler
Member
And with that opinion, declaring that I'm wrong.
ColdBlooded
New member
I didn't see any 'declaring' that you were wrong...I saw that you posted that you kept your UTH in the tank under a piece of slate with a hole in the bottom of the tank for the cord to pass through and that your temps were 85F and some others offered some insight as to why that might be dangerous. Hilde was kind enough to show examples of their set up, which was one (not the only) safe way to have a UTH within the tank. I can only speak for myself and I was in no way trying to be critical, I was just offering a little information. I don't see as anyone trying to attack you or call you out on anything, but I also see no problem with constructive critiquing.
Allee Toler
Member
True, I'll give you that. But that should be more aware that they know my set up. I've posted numerous times that I have the UTH in the tank the way I do, and that I have a lamp on both the cool side and warm side to keep it at 90-warm and 78-cool.
ColdBlooded
New member
I'd have to disagree with you, it's not up to them to remember your setup. I'm active on several reptile forums and have seen many, many people's setups and believe me...I don't know who has what most of the time, I simply comment regarding the content of the thread. Can't say everyone is like that, I just don't think it's feasible to expect someone to know your setup because you've posted it several times.
Again, not trying to be critical, just commenting.
Riverside Reptiles
Administrator (HMFIC)
Allee, I think that you may perhaps be being a bit sensitive. It's VERY rare that you'll ever see me "bash" anyone. And the same goes for Hilde. Being admins/mods, we are here to keep the peace...not bash people. There are far more ways than one to skin a cat (or keep a gecko). And you are welcome to keep your animals any way that you choose. It may not be the same way that I would do it, but that doesn't make it wrong or bad. However, when one posts to a public forum, they must be prepared to discuss and/or debate the integrity of the advice they are giving. If you feel "bashed", I apologize. But I really don't think that was the intention of any of us.