Positioning probes

[np247921]

is it best to have the probes flat on the viv back or do they need to be inserted through holes so they stick into the viv - if so how much do they need to stick into by? the full length of the probe or just a bit?

[bladeblaster]

if you mean thermostat probe, it depends on what you are using for heat.

[np247921]

Originally Posted by bladeblaster

if you mean thermostat probe, it depends on what you are using for heat.

its for digital thermometers and a dimming thermostat

[jabba1967]

Hi mate,

We need to know what the heat source is, and what animal it's for. For example, if it's a beardie, and you are using a spot light, then the stat probe want's to be in the cool end (most stats only go up to around 92f) as a beardie needs around 110f in the basking zone, so placing the probe in the hot end means the temp wont get above 92f.

If the animal is a corn snake though, and you are using aheat mat, then you can have the probe next to or on the mat, as the temps want to be around 85f in the hot end, and if the probe is too far away, the temps will get too high befor the stat kicks in.

Hope this makes sense

Jay

[kelboy]

Originally Posted by jabba1967

Hi mate,

We need to know what the heat source is, and what animal it's for. For example, if it's a beardie, and you are using a spot light, then the stat probe want's to be in the cool end (most stats only go up to around 92f) as a beardie needs around 110f in the basking zone, so placing the probe in the hot end means the temp wont get above 92f.

If the animal is a corn snake though, and you are using aheat mat, then you can have the probe next to or on the mat, as the temps want to be around 85f in the hot end, and if the probe is too far away, the temps will get too high befor the stat kicks in.

Hope this makes sense

Jay

Just to expand, unless requiring a higher temperature or using a mat as described above, probe placement is unimportant as long as you calibrate the temperature using a reliable thermometer. Digital thermometers are pretty good, or even better would be a hand held infra-red/laser thermometer.

[np247921]

Originally Posted by jabba1967

Hi mate,

We need to know what the heat source is, and what animal it's for. For example, if it's a beardie, and you are using a spot light, then the stat probe want's to be in the cool end (most stats only go up to around 92f) as a beardie needs around 110f in the basking zone, so placing the probe in the hot end means the temp wont get above 92f.

If the animal is a corn snake though, and you are using aheat mat, then you can have the probe next to or on the mat, as the temps want to be around 85f in the hot end, and if the probe is too far away, the temps will get too high befor the stat kicks in.

Hope this makes sense

Jay

Hi yes it for a beardie, its a 4x2x2 setup, although the basking area is 110 the hot end is 80F and cool end is 70F, how can i get a better ambient tempertaure? do i need a ceramic heater in the centre of the viv to get these temps up? its a 100watt spotlamp im using.

[jabba1967]

Originally Posted by np247921

Hi yes it for a beardie, its a 4x2x2 setup, although the basking area is 110 the hot end is 80F and cool end is 70F, how can i get a better ambient tempertaure? do i need a ceramic heater in the centre of the viv to get these temps up? its a 100watt spotlamp im using.

Hi,

I would stear clear of ceramics for beardies. Is the light dimming, if so then the stat is kicking in and reducing the heat, what you might need to do is turn up the stat, if this raises the temp too much in the basking area then you will have to raise the spot light to create a bigger gap between the spotlight and the ground.

This will allow the spotlight to run hotter, and therfor raise the over all temp of the viv.

Some pics of your viv would be a help

Jay

[np247921]

Originally Posted by jabba1967

Hi,

I would stear clear of ceramics for beardies. Is the light dimming, if so then the stat is kicking in and reducing the heat, what you might need to do is turn up the stat, if this raises the temp too much in the basking area then you will have to raise the spot light to create a bigger gap between the spotlight and the ground.

This will allow the spotlight to run hotter, and therfor raise the over all temp of the viv.

Some pics of your viv would be a help

Jay

my heat lamp is already at the top of the viv, and once i put my log underneath the basking temp went to 120f so ive changed bulbs/reduced temps and the overall gradient stays too low.

[jabba1967]

Originally Posted by np247921

my heat lamp is already at the top of the viv, and once i put my log underneath the basking temp went to 120f so ive changed bulbs/reduced temps and the overall gradient stays too low.

Yup,

this happens quite offen in 24" high vivs, this is why I recomend 18" high vivs. This might not sound like a big deal, but A; there is an exta 4 cubic foot of air to heat in the 24" high viv. And B; getting the uv tube close enough (4"~6") of the beardie is harder.

What is the distance between the log and spotlight, can you make the gap bigger, and use a 150watt spot?

Have you thought about getting a mercury vapour, or metal halide lamp?

Jay

[np247921]

Originally Posted by jabba1967

Yup,

this happens quite offen in 24" high vivs, this is why I recomend 18" high vivs. This might not sound like a big deal, but A; there is an exta 4 cubic foot of air to heat in the 24" high viv. And B; getting the uv tube close enough (4"~6") of the beardie is harder.

What is the distance between the log and spotlight, can you make the gap bigger, and use a 150watt spot?

Have you thought about getting a mercury vapour, or metal halide lamp?

Jay

as the dimming thermostat maintains a 105f basking temp how will increasing the bulb wattage make the surrounding hot zone any hotter?As 4x2x2 is the recommended size of viv surely not everyone has the same problem as me?