Thermostat Probe location in enclosure....

[falconboy]

Hi all,

Whereabouts in a melamine/pine type enclosure do any of you put the probe if you are using a probe thermostat? I was thinking of drilling a small hole at the bottom half way along the back and just have it sticking through the hole resting on the floor. Alternatively half way up the back sticking out?

Thanks.

[mungus]

In the coldest spot in the enclosure.
I set it at 24 deg. for my dp's.

[Fester]

Originally Posted by mungus

In the coldest spot in the enclosure.
I set it at 24 deg. for my dp's.

Through experience, I have found that it is not the best spot. If the set-point is say 24C and the ambient temperature goes to 25C then the thermostat will shut the heating off altogether. Therefore the hot end will stabilize at 25C.

[falconboy]

Originally Posted by Fester

Through experience, I have found that it is not the best spot. If the set-point is say 24C and the ambient temperature goes to 25C then the thermostat will shut the heating off altogether. Therefore the hot end will stabilize at 25C.

Which is a similar issue I have with a short enclosure (600w) and a thermostat half way with not enough variant.

Likely to be 900 or 1200, so I would say the half way point, set to say 30, hopefully giving a 40-45 hot spot and a cool end of mid 20's????

[SlothHead]

You should position the probe where you want to control the temperature, which should always be the hottest point in the tank.

So, you will want the probe to be in the basking position of the snake. This way you know that they basking position will be a certain temperature and no more. And therefore the rest of the tank will be cooler than this point.

Try not to have your basking position directly on the floor either, try and have it off the floor closer to the light. This will alow for a smaller wattage heating globe, and greater control of the enclosure.

Couple of problems putting it in other areas.

Putting it in the cool end, as prior mentioned means that you will get the heated area stabilising at the cool end temp on days due to ambient temps.

The problem with having it in the middle is that you arent going to be getting much of a differnet in temp from one end to the other.

So i would recommend using a lower wattage lamp, or a ceramic, and building the basking area higher off the floor. Then position the probe basically right there. This gives total control on the basking area which is the important bit, and so long as you have the ventilation set properly you will get an excellent gradient

Hope this helps

What size enclosure are you trying to run and what animal?

[falconboy]

Originally Posted by SlothHead

The problem with having it in the middle is that you arent going to be getting much of a differnet in temp from one end to the other.

What size enclosure are you trying to run and what animal?

With a long enough enclosure, I would think the temp difference from one end to the other would be ok. I have a difference of about 18 deg from one end to the other in a 4ft glass tank.

It will be for beardies, most likely in a couple of 4ft pine enclosures. Just need to source decent pine that doesn't cost a fortune. I'm not a big fan of bunnings bowed, split and badly knotted stuff.

[SlothHead]

Obviously it is totally up to you, so what ever you find works best for you run with that.

With it mounted in the middle, the main thing is ventilation and insulation. A wooden enclosure is far more insulated than glass. Also the type of heat source can change things too.

Just try a couple of different ways prior to drilling the holes. This way you will know what is going to work in your situation.

All the best with it.

[falconboy]

Thanks mate.

Yeah, theres likely to be good ventilation down the cool end, so the temp difference should be good. I'll have to stick it in through a vent or the gap in the door to start with to test it out.

[meshe1969]

Originally Posted by SlothHead

You should position the probe where you want to control the temperature, which should always be the hottest point in the tank.

So, you will want the probe to be in the basking position of the snake. This way you know that they basking position will be a certain temperature and no more. And therefore the rest of the tank will be cooler than this point.

Try not to have your basking position directly on the floor either, try and have it off the floor closer to the light. This will alow for a smaller wattage heating globe, and greater control of the enclosure.

Couple of problems putting it in other areas.

Putting it in the cool end, as prior mentioned means that you will get the heated area stabilising at the cool end temp on days due to ambient temps.

The problem with having it in the middle is that you arent going to be getting much of a differnet in temp from one end to the other.

So i would recommend using a lower wattage lamp, or a ceramic, and building the basking area higher off the floor. Then position the probe basically right there. This gives total control on the basking area which is the important bit, and so long as you have the ventilation set properly you will get an excellent gradient

Hope this helps

What size enclosure are you trying to run and what animal?

I agree. This is how we run our tanks, and with a few thermometers at different locations too.