confusing digital thermometer reading

[frankie_barber]

im really confused by the digital thermometer reading in my royals RUB its a 50l, the temps go from 22c to 32 which its at now i dont understand, it hovers around 28-29 then suddenly drops or goes higher. the rub is in the same place, and the thermostat is set at 30c, the thermometer sensor is in the hot end on top of the substrater (kitchen roll)
can anybody think of a reason why its doing this, could if be faulty?
my roayls eaten since i got him on tuesday and has been out and about used both hot and cold hides.
any ideas?
frankie

[reptiles-ink]

It is more than likely due to the position of the thermostat probe.
Try putting the probe actually on the heat mat and the thermometer probe in the same place but on the inside of the rub.
Heat mats can take some time to heat up so I find it best to keep the probe on the mat.
If the temps still drop right down try either insulating underneath the mat or using a higher powered one.

[frankie_barber]

thanks for the quick repley,
the thermostat probe is in the same place as the thermometer one inside the rub onop of the substrate which is directly above the heat mat.
the heat mat has got polystrene (sp?) under it and i have got insulation aluminium stuff around one side of the rub.
the probe isnt secured so i suppose it could be because its beng moved about

[wildlifewarrior]

Is it an on/off stat by any chance?

[frankie_barber]

it is, habistat 100w,
but its not actually been off, not that ive noticed anyway but im not in my room 24/7 so it could have been

[wildlifewarrior]

Originally Posted by frankie_barber

it is, habistat 100w,
but its not actually been off, not that ive noticed anyway but im not in my room 24/7 so it could have been

so basically its an on/off stat....thats your problem....heatmats take ages to warm up if the amebiant temps arent high enough. they only flick off for a second....and go instantly cold then come back on and take ages to warm up....so when they hit the correct temps they go off then have to warm back up.

This is why you will always see it on....its also the reason i only use pulse stats

[frankie_barber]

ah i didnt realise you could use pulse stats for mats too, will have to invest in one as i inted for this guy to go into a viv when hes bigger with a ceramic so i can use it for that too.
will have to save up for one now as they are quite pricey.
thanks

[wildlifewarrior]

No worries mate ,yep you can use them fine.

[frankie_barber]

cool will get it sorted asap, i know my corn can handle a little variation of temps but want to on top of my royals. hes started off so well.

[Mik3F]

you can pick up pulse stats for around £35 from ebay. I grabbed one today as I needed a new one