Reptitherm Under Tank Heaters

[Bark]

I purchased a Reptitherm UTH to increase the temp for my juv Smithi. They come in all sizes but only 1 (the small one) is compatible with plastic containers and tarantulas. It doesn't have a temp control and I am worried that it is a P.O.S. and will either cook the T, fail to create any heat at all, or start a fire. Does anyone have any opinions or experience with these?

If so, did you permanently stick the heater to the side of the container? I just feel this is wasteful.

Info:
Medium sized critter keeper
2" Smithi
Room temp around 66-67F (18.5C) without the heater.
I still have the receipt

Thanks

 

[Mendi]

Mine are doing fine without any extra heat. Winter temps range from 70-72F and the summer temps are 74-77F depending on how nasty it gets outside. All are growing and eating well. So, unless you house regularly falls below 68F you really don't need anything extra

 

[Bark]

My house has pretty much been below 68 since August. I could turn the heat up (like I said I keep it around 66F) for the WHOLE house just for the Smithi, but thats not very efficient.

Before I get accused of neglect, I just got her.

 

[Mendi]

Shows how awake I am this morning, eh?

Yeah, putting it on one side of the enclosure will do ok with her. Make sure to keep her water dish filled, as heat will evaporate it sooner. When it gets summer and it is over 70F turn it off until it get cool again in the fall. Don't have any of it under the tank, as it would be too hot in those areas, and you might not want it next to the hide

 

[Bark]

Thanks Mendi

I put extra peat moss on that side to insolate her more. So far she hasn't attempted to dig anything yet. She spends most of her time half on the wall and half on the water dish. She may still be stressed and the peat moss may be too moist. :?

I will unplug it if and when we ever reach 70 degrees!

 

[Socrates]

Bark,
I can tell you a cheap and GREAT way HOW TO CONTROL the U/T (...well side of the tank) heater....I mean how much or little heat you want. The hint was given to me by Botar...so I won't take any credit for it.
Go to your local hardware store (Home Depot, Lowes, Sears Hardware, etc.) and buy a dimmer switch that'll convert any old table lamp into a dimmer lamp. The dimmer switch will connect right into the outlet, and the U/T heater connects into the dimmer switch. Voila'. That way you can control how much or little heat you want for your T.
It works terrific for my juvenile Acan. Geniculata, which is in one of the cooler rooms of the house.

-----
Wendy
-----

 

[Nich]

Dimer swithches are great, i use them, i have a heater pad on the side of both of my T blondis and my lividum. the work wonders and having the dimer gives you very accurate contorl over the heat.

 

[Bark]

Socrates & Nich

Sounds like a good idea to me and I may do that if I find out more about this unit. I think this one has some kind of heat censor that turns it off when it reaches a certain temperature (At certain times it feels warmer than others...then again I may have lost my mind). I don't know if playing with the power will cause any damage. You can really shorten the life of certain appliances by reducing the power...

 

[Dessicata]

Heat mats are pressure dependant. If you put one underneath a tank, it would be very hot, if you rested one against the wall, it wouldn't. If you use a proper thermostat, it will push it so that it reaches the desired temp.

Lee