Super Safe Leo Set-Up!

[morphmom]

I've noticed that UTH's (Under the tank heaters) are causing some concern. UTH's are actually very safe and there are many safe guards you can use to put your mind at ease :wink:

Here's Mylo's set-up:
(So, I bought this second hand desk on kijiji for great price. It's all metal! )


(Then I purchased the Exo Terra terrarium as the plastic around the bottom of the tank provides a space for extra heat to escape as well as having enough clearance for the cord to go under the tank without it being pinched )


(Here's the Zoo Med UTH. It comes with little "Feet" to elevate the tank for those who do not have an exo terra :wink: )


(The UTH is controlled by a plug in lamp dimmer to prevent it from getting too hot )


(Next came ceramic tiles. A layer of sand was put under the tiles to distribute the heat more evenly. The "gems" are just for show and have been removed )


(I taped the probe from my thermometer to the ceramic tile to get a good surface temp reading :wink: )


-There is no chance of a furniture catching flame or interior substrate getting singed. These are "extreme" precautions. Simply raising the tank slightly on the side of the viv that has the UTH, will provide a great deal of safety no matter what surface the tank is sitting on. UTH's have been used for years to aid in a Leo's digestion. Belly heat has shown to be one of the most effective ways to raise a healthy animal.
-Thinking outside of the box saves a lot of money too. Used metal desks, work benches, coffee tables, and well made free standing shelving units can all be found second hand at 1/3 of the price most reptile stands sell for.
-Peace of mind for you and a healthy happy animal 8)

(I plan on painting the desk to match the viv. Paint goes a long way :mrgreen: )

 

[zandi202]

You're pics are gone, Holly

 

[morphmom]

I'm working on it :wink:

 

[zandi202]

Yay!

 

[Kameo37]

So did you put your UTH under the tank glass or under the tiles? I put mine under the tile and its working splendidly!

 

[morphmom]

I put my UTH under the tank it's self as I bring the tiles out for a proper scrub every so often. But I'm glad your animal is happy :wink:

 

[Kameo37]

Ahh, so the sand you put under the tile is acting as a heat conductor. Hmm, that's an interesting idea. I'm still able to take my tiles out for cleaning, but having the UTH outside of the tank would make it even easier. I'm kind of surprised you can get to 90 through the glass, sand and tiles...but I could totally see how it might work!

 

[morphmom]

I was very surprised as well! Not only do I get proper temps but I actually had to dial it down a bit with the lamp dimmer! :shock: I only put enough sand under the tiles to cover the silicone seems along the tank edges. That way the tiles sit good and flat. The UTH I have is meant for a 40gal though. My Leo is a "giant" variety so his tank is larger then most Leo tanks. :wink:
-It's up to you but it may be easier to clean if the UTH was under the glass. (as long as there's a space for the excess heat to escape of course :wink: )