Mat stat unreliable?

[JoshN]

Hey guys, i currently control the heta mat in my leo's enclosure with a habistat mat stat and tbh i'm finding it quite unreliable.

I have the stat set to 28c and the probe placed ontop of the substrate with the thermometer placed in the same place as the probe. I get different temperatures all the time, without even adjusting my stat. It's usually around 31c which is what i want, but at times it goes as high as 34c and even 35c, which is too high for a leo as far as i'm aware, although she doesn't seem to have any problems with it.

Any solutions?

Cheers.

[jools]

Yes this can be a problem with mat stats. If you need a more even temperature you would be better with a pulse stat. What substrate are you using?

[MrMike]

I use mat stats on alot of ours (single vivs and the quarantine area) and the most accurate I have been able to get the temps are +/- 4F. So from 86F to 94F.

Our racks however, which we have pulse stats on, are alot more constant.

[JoshN]

Ahh right i feel a little better kowing it's not just my problem. haha

And i'm using carpet as a substrate. (reptile carpet)

[Big Red One]

Hiya, they do vary a bit (I have some fluctuations like you have seen - normally when a leo has 'kicked around' a probe in the viv).
To be honest I believe a slightly higher warm end temp does them no harm at all, so wouldn't worry about 34/35c as long as the cool end/range in the viv is OK, as they can self regulate away if they want to.
I honestly think too cold a temp in the warm end is more of a problem.

As stated, pulses are more steady - hence they cost more !