Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi I have been a bearded dragon owner for a while, but just a day or two ago I added a leo to my collection. I do not use a UTH with my beardie since his basking light is adequate for what he needs, but from what I understand I do need a UTH for my leo. I remember trying a UTH a while back and it didn't seem to do anything at all. The sand was still cold even after the UTH had been on a long time. I was wondering if maybe I did it wrong. Does the UTH go on the bottom of the tank on the outside? Or does it go on the inside under the sand. Maybe this is where I messed up, but I need to know so I can get this right for my leo today. Thanks in advance! ~Eric M

They go on the outside, not on the side with the substrate.
Depending on your substrate, it can take a long time to heat up. If you're using sand, it could be 5 or 6 hours until the temperature stabilizes, especially if you're using a thick layer of sand. (note: Don't use sand for a baby gecko. This was just an example).

Different substrates conduct the heat with different efficiencies, and it's also based on the moisture in the substrate and how thick it is. I'm using a piece of cardboard that exactly fits my tank (corrugated, thick cardboard like the kind that makes up a fridge box) and I've wrapped paper towels around it. It's enough of a buffer to keep the temp where I want it (without the cardboard it can easily get up over 105 degrees!)

Usually it's a matter of keeping the temps down, rather than them not being hot enough with UTH. Mine works surprisingly well and does a great job for being so low wattage. It's by Exo-Terra.
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Blaine

0.0.1 HY/Patternless/Normal Leo (Echo)

it goes on the outside of the tank

also, because you're using sand, it'll take a little while before it heats up that side. if you thin out the thickness of the sand, then that might speed it up a little bit. if you use paper towels, it'll warm up right away which is a big PLUS for me because my leo needs it

good luck with your UTH and your leo! take care

aimee
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1.0 Albino Leopard Gecko (Melvin)
1.0 Black Lab / Pitbull mix (Mikey)
1.0 Blue Fighting Fish (Blue Balls)