Thermometer placement

[fyrstoppin]

I was wondering what the optimal placement for the digital thermometer probe is. I have read on a few posts that the probe should go on the glass over the UTH. Is that correct or should it be sitting on top of the substrate. Also, what about the cool side? I've read that is optional to have a thermometer on that side. I bought two because I want to monitor both the cool and warm sides. Should the cools side probe be under the substrate on the glass? Or on top of the substrate? Also, ambient air temp doesn't matter correct?

 

[Sarah1228]

On the warm side I place it above the glass under the substrate, and on the cool side since I'm just monitoring the ambient air temp I use a stick on thermometer that goes on the glass above the substrate. Hope that helps.

 

[Fatman608]

Looking down into the cage, Substrate, Thermometer probe, glass, UTH. If you have a Thermostat that probe should be next to the T-meter probe and both held in place by something.

I do not even worry about my cool side because the coldest it is going to get is 65'F.

 

[fyrstoppin]

Okay, i just installed a Hydrofarm thermostat. I placed the probe next to my thermometer probe(Zoomed). There is approx a 5 degree difference. Which device is more accurate?

 

[Nanci]

What kind of thermometer do you have?

 

[fyrstoppin]

ZooMed thermometer.

 

[buckmaster299]

if you have the fund for it you could try an infared temp gun. or a laser one. i plan on buying one for both of my bearded dragons and my corn snake in the very near future. I have heard that their accuracy is unmatched by probes. but that is just what I have heard...

 

[bitsy]

I'd trust the thermometer. Even the best thermostat can behave slightly differently, depending on the make/model/wattage of heat mat they're used with.

To run a double-check, you could put the thermometer probe against a glass which has contained ice for a few minutes and take the reading.

 

[epicdoom]

I use thermostats and set my probes on the substrate inside the snakes warm side hide then a stick on just above the substrate on the cool side. I pack my substrate down in the area the hide sits on to prevent my snakes digging under it and getting to the glass surface where the UTH is. I have just started using the astroturf in one of my set ups to cover the glass only in the area the UTH is. I then pile my substrate onto that and set up my temp where I want it. will see how well that works out after a week of testing.

Joe

 

[tiberiusdestructo]

Okay, i just installed a Hydrofarm thermostat. I placed the probe next to my thermometer probe(Zoomed). There is approx a 5 degree difference. Which device is more accurate?

i also have a hydofarm thermostat and a zoo-med thermometer, and am experiencing the five degree difference as well. the zoo-med is consistently higher right? i assumed it was i difference in manufacturing or something. kind of reassuring to know that some one else has the same effect

 

[foghat]

I use thermostats and set my probes on the substrate inside the snakes warm side hide then a stick on just above the substrate on the cool side. I pack my substrate down in the area the hide sits on to prevent my snakes digging under it and getting to the glass surface where the UTH is. I have just started using the astroturf in one of my set ups to cover the glass only in the area the UTH is. I then pile my substrate onto that and set up my temp where I want it. will see how well that works out after a week of testing.

Joe

Why are you doing it like this? Sounds like a bad idea. There is no way you can pack down the substrate so the snake cannot burrow under it. Plus the uth is likely bigger than your hide. Probe should be either on the glass or if you go with the AstroTurf (and are absolutely certain the snake cannot get under it), the probe should be on the AstroTurf. Putting the probe on/in the substrate is asking for trouble.

I use a glue gun to attach the probe to the glass.