Ultratherm insulation question. Polyiso vs Polystyrene?

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FSkerlak
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Ultratherm insulation question. Polyiso vs Polystyrene?

Post by FSkerlak » Tue Feb 26, 2019 10:51 am

I am having issues finding polystyrene, which I think I'm supposed to use for insulating the Ultratherm UTHs. But i found Polyisocyanurate (polyiso) which looks like the pics i see that people use, but I thought i was supposed to use polystyrene (which is the pink panther, all pink and no shiny stuff on one side). Im confused. Any help. I saw Motorcrabs link and that was a great help, but this is the only question I have on it (i think lol). Polystyrene or can I use polyioscyanurate, or does it matter. Just worried about a fire. Thanks again everyone!

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aussieJJDude
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Re: Ultratherm insulation question. Polyiso vs Polystyrene?

Post by aussieJJDude » Tue Feb 26, 2019 4:47 pm

I assume you're using it out of the tank, if so, fine to use... its used for thermal insulation anyway...

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FSkerlak
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Re: Ultratherm insulation question. Polyiso vs Polystyrene?

Post by FSkerlak » Tue Feb 26, 2019 6:17 pm

Sweet! Yes, on the back wall but outside of the tank. Just like Motorcrabs link. I called reptile basics to see what they thought and they had me email an awesome woman who said if i cant find out the info I'm looking for about the polystyrene i can just use Reflectix Duct insulation. So I'm debating that idea instead of the rigid foam board. Any thoughts on that?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Reflectix-1 ... /100012574

Im not sure if that link worked, sorry

Thank you so much!

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Re: Ultratherm insulation question. Polyiso vs Polystyrene?

Post by Overmountain1 » Tue Feb 26, 2019 6:59 pm

It mostly depends on how much heat you will need to reflect/hold in.
I will say that both mine have cardboard covered in reflective, and it made s tremendous difference on its own. You can also layer that if needed- and it’s cheap.


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Re: Ultratherm insulation question. Polyiso vs Polystyrene?

Post by aussieJJDude » Tue Feb 26, 2019 8:24 pm

I'm like 95% sure people on here have used - and reccomend - Reflectix.... if not, should also be fine to use on an Ultratherm.

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Re: Ultratherm insulation question. Polyiso vs Polystyrene?

Post by soilentgringa » Tue Feb 26, 2019 9:01 pm

I used aluminum foil and duct tape for a few years with no issues.

Many people use reflectix with success.


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