Dangers of UTH on SIDE WALL of tank?

[Treesniffer]

I wouldn't worry about the frogs burning their little tummies on the side glass. Please don't put the heat under the water. I didn't remove that film from the sticky underside of the heat mat until I was sure I wouldn't have to return it. During the day, additional heat with regular light bulb in reading lamp placed next to tank, and an additional low voltage sun lamp for plants, will add comfortable heat. Evening temperatures, which should be kept lower, can be kept at a healthy lower temperature with the Exo Terra Moonlight Glow light bulb; and there again, buy several, keep the boxes, return the ones that don't do what you want. It may be trial-and-error but if you monitor, read instructions carefully, you won't have any problems.

[rosequoll]

I'm curious about not heating the tank under the water? UTH's are commonly used to heat glass tanks with water in them here, it's regularly suggested and some are actually sold for that purpose (don't know if it's an Australian thing?). I checked the instructions thoroughly and there was no mention of not using it with standing water.

Not arguing, just curious!

I'd prefer not to go globes, but if I have to in the end, that's fine. I'm working on planning out an 'ultimate frog tank' and I'll likely be working some dichroic lights into the roof to create a high basking area (if wanted) and heat cord wired in behind the walls for ambient heating.

[J Teezy]

well if you heat under the water one its going to evaporate the water off faster and depending on how thick your substrate is also you may not get the heat you want. For instance the exo terra rainforest versions don't produce much heat. I have my probe right where the mat is on the side of my glass and it keeps that area over there around 78 degrees. What kind of temperature are you looking for? other things are going to affect temp as well, mainly your house temperature. My house thermostate is set at 71 degrees right now and thats about where my cool side of the tank sits at as well. My opinion on putting your heater underneath the substrate for ground dwelling frogs is that its going to keep the area where they are at that temp throughout depending on if you mat is as big as your floor space, which wouldnt give them much of an option to go to a cooler area if they want. by putting it on the side at ground level it gives them a warm side of the tank and cool side to choose from. remember frogs are not mammals and regulate their body temp by heating up. So if they need to heat up they can go over to the warm side, if they get too warm they have a cool side to go to and cool down some.

[rcollege]

I have a UTH on the side of my terrarium housing American Tree Frogs.
When it was cold in the house the would stay on the glass right where the UTH is. Never any burns.

I contacted ZooMed and was strongly advised not to use it under the tank if there was going to be water in the tank. They have had glass bottoms crack due to the heat and water. If the tank is to hold water, it is recommended to place this on the side of the tank.

I have success with using a ceramic heater or halogen heat bulb in one corner of the tank. The plants and critters do great this way. Spot lamps keep a tight beam allowing the focus area to get pretty hot, don't plant there, the heat will spread creating a nice gradient- while not frying the plants or critters. I use long fiber orchid moss or new zealand long fiber moss...and keep it moist to help with the humidity.

(I confess I have an anole and long tail lizard in with amphibians- hence the need for overhead heat- all have coexisted for months and closely are watched for feeding...you can flogg me later )

[viliqn97]

Not to make a new topic i will ask here. How many watts Exo Terra RainForest/Desert heat wave I need for 45x30x30 terrarium, stick on left glass ? I need 26C temperature, even if only one part of the cage.