I've been using paper towel as the substrate for my leo, it's been good so far but my only question about it is just how good is it at holding heat compared to carpet, or tile/slate?
thanks
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substrates/heat
aikjp
Jan 20, 2006 08:37 PM
Replies (10)
Shelley1063
Jan 21, 2006 01:38 PM
The slate tile will by far hold the heat better than just about anything else.
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fattiesNleos
Jan 21, 2006 08:33 PM
No matter what the subsrate is, to properly control the heat you will need a thermostat. Digital ones are more expensive but much better.
aikjp
Jan 21, 2006 10:25 PM
I'm using a UTH with a thermostat. The temp has been pretty constant but I'd been seeing some fluctuations in the temp down into the low 80's and high 70s a few times. It didnt stay at those temps for long but had me a little worried anyway. Is it a problem to have the temp drop like that or should I not worry?
thanks
Shelley1063
Jan 22, 2006 07:19 AM
I don't know if you are talking about air temps or the temps on top of the substrate on the warm side? Your temps on top of the substrate on the warm side are what you really want to watch. If the UTH is on a thermomstat there should be very little fluctuation, and should remain between 88-93 degrees 24/7. If it is dropping by more than just a couple of degrees your UTH probably isn't big enough for your tank. The UTH should cover 1/3 and not more than 1/2 of the bottom of your tank.
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www.StoplightCityLeopardGeckos.com
justcage
Jan 22, 2006 01:22 PM
...
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www.MGReptiles.com
aikjp
Jan 23, 2006 07:36 AM
Shelley I was refferring to the warm side temps directly on top of the substrate (measured by digital therm), and the tank is only a 10 gallon with the UTH covering slightly more then a third of the tank.
The mat and therm are Zoomed Reptitherm UTh for 10-20g and Zoomed ReptiTemp 500R.
justcage
Jan 23, 2006 01:28 PM
It sounds like your thermostat is swinging to far. That is the bad thing with the cheaper thermostats is they can sometimes let the temps swing...
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www.MGReptiles.com
Shelley1063
Jan 23, 2006 03:53 PM
Yeah I agree that is way too big of a swing for a thermomstat. Sounds like you need a new one or a better one. I never had that much of a temp variation when using dimmer switches LOL
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www.StoplightCityLeopardGeckos.com
justcage
Jan 23, 2006 04:06 PM
Try a Johnson Controls
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www.MGReptiles.com
aikjp
Jan 24, 2006 11:36 AM
There hasn't been any swing in the temp the last day or so, but I'm still going to look for a better thermostat, I'd rather not have to worry. Thanks for the help
