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Digital Thermometers

Viserion

Viserion

New member
So I purchased a UTH, a thermostat, and a digital thermometer. I know to put the thermometer and stat sensors together INSIDE the Viv, ON TOP of the UTH, and UNDER the substrate. As far as measuring the temp on the cool side, can i just use an IR thermometer? That being said, do I need a digital hydrometer as well. Or are the small stick on ones accurate enough? (I know the analog thermometers aren't accurate enough, but the hydrometer could be different.)

Thanks!
 
In NC, you probably don't have any issues with humidity (so wouldn't really need to monitor it). It'll fluctuate, but will be fine. The analog humidity gauges aren't terribly accurate, but can give you a rough idea of what the humidity level is. Also, baby snakes love climbing on them if they're stuck to the wall of the viv. Might need a humid hide at shed time during dry months.

The cool side should be fine at room temp -- if you're comfortable, it's fine for the snake. If you have an IR thermometer, you can use that sometimes just to reassure yourself that the temps are fine. Probably don't need to go out and buy anything. I do know the analog thermometer is not reliable at all.
 
Awesome, thanks for the response!

I figured the humidity should be fine, so that's why I thought the analog hygrometer would work well enough. I was planning on using a humid hide anyways. I hear really good things about how well they work, and they are obviously easy to make.

I have one digital thermometer, with another on the way from amazon. I will also have a thermostat going in, so I didn't want yet another cord running through if it wasn't needed. Where should I put the probe for the thermometer on the cool side if I do that? Also, where is a good spot to stick that analog hygrometer in the viv?
 
I use Acurite indoor/outdoor digital thermometers in all my enclosures. I place the thermometer itself on the cool side and the probe under the substrate over the UTH. They also measure the humidity.
 
The analog hygrometer can be stuck to the back wall of the viv, so you can see it looking in. I know science has an ideal location to get the best sampling for overall humidity, but I'm sure anywhere will be fine. At least halfway up I'd say.

If you're getting a corn snake (or some other colubrid), then regular room temp is probably fine for the cool side and you won't need a probe to keep such a close watch on the ambient temps. You'd be better off with a battery operated indoor thermometer from Walmart. No probe, just put in in the viv or leave it outside it, there's not a huge difference in temps inside and outside the viv. Some are a temperature/humidity gauge combo, those are nice. I use THIS. It's huge, but I really like it. The daily hi/lo is nice.

We use thermometers with the probes to get a precise reading where the snake will make contact with the hot spot, which is important for the electronically-controlled heat source since too hot or not hot enough could cause issues. (The thermoSTAT probe is the primary temp gauge, the thermoMETER probe is backup, making sure the 'stat is accurate).

The UTH should only cover 1/3 to 1/2 of the bottom of the viv, with pretty much everywhere else in the viv being "cool", or cooler anyway. The cool side floor of the viv should be about the same temp as the air temp (as long as your UTH isn't too big or too close to the middle).

If you've got it and you're set on using it, probably stick the probe anywhere opposite the UTH. The snake makes direct contact with the floor, so you can put the probe there. After a week or two, you may find you don't need it if the temps stay in a good range, and they probably will.
 
Both of my digital thermometers will be on the outside of the tank. I just wanted to know where to put the sensor for the cool side. Under the substrate, or on top? I know the one on the warm side goes under the substrate, and directly on top of the UTH.
 
Sorry for the previous response. I submitted it before your most recent post showed up.

We have central heat in my house, so the temp should be fine. I have 2 probe thermometers, so I figured I might as well use them. If it is like you say, and the temp on the cool side stays the same, then I can take it out just to have fewer wires going around. I mainly just don't want to have a thermometer/hygrometer readout sitting in the middle of the viv taking up space.
 
I have 2 warm side thermometers, one under the substrate along with the t-stat's probe, and one on top of the substrate.
 
Is there a consistent difference in the temp if it is right above the other sensor? Basically I guess, is it worth it to have 2 on the warm side? With the thermostat and one thermometer there, I feel comfortable that the heat is where it needs to be. But of course I'm new to this, so I'm not positive.
 
i use the on the substrate one to get an idea of the temp at ground level and in warm hides. since different substrates and different amounts of substrate insulate differently, i feel more secure knowing how hot teh glass is and how warm the ground level is too, that way i can prevent burning and overall "too hot" of an environment.

<--- Ground level (ZooMed digital w/ probe) - I try to keep between 82 and 85F so he has a comfy "warm side" with warm hides.
Substrate
<--- Glass (ZooMed digital w/ probe and T-Stat probe) - I have two probes here to assure accuracy so little Plissken doesn't burn himself or fry his brain when he burrows down. I will let it get a little warmer, between 86 and 88F.

Probably overkill, but I'm still new to snake keeping and feel more sane knowing everything is ok.
 
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