So confused on UTHs

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 8:23 am

I am going to set up a 30 gal tank. It has a full hood with a flouresent bulb. I have never had to use any source of heat (bulb or uth) for my smaller tank (10 gal). I went out and bought a UTH for a 20 gal today. I have been reading some past post on these and still don't know what to do but i am leaning on side mounting it on the back If I do so, do I have to have any part of it under the level of the substrate? I do fear overheating ones that dig too close (I am the proud owner of crabs who LOVE to live under the substrate). If once applied to the tank can they be taken off and put somewhere else? Confusion reigns!!! Thanks!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 8:33 am

I am looking forward to hearing responses to this, too. I have a similar setup (30 gal with a fluoro bulb) and I have had to use a clamp light a couple of times so far for additional warmth(it gets cold where I live even in the summer). But I know when winter comes I will need even more heat, so I ordered a tank heater that can be bottom or side mounted. I haven't gotten it yet but I was leaning towards side mount also.

KaraJo · Post by **KaraJo** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 8:34 am

From my experience, they should be placed half below and half above the substrate level. You can tape them on and they can be removed or moved to a different area if needed.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 8:41 am

Also if the uth is always on you don't really have to worry about a crab getting to close. You normally only have problems with that if you turn if off and on.

emismommy01 · Post by **emismommy01** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 8:53 am

I am currently using a combo of both UTH and lights in my tank. My guys seem to flock to both. My UTH's are back mounted half under substrate and the other half above substrate level. I have had no problems doing it this way. The hermies seem to like the added warm spot in the tank too.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 9:03 am

I just recently put a UTH (side mounted half under and half above) on my 20L. I used the tiny UTH and it works great. My little guys love it and have been seen hanging out gossiping next to it as if it's the office water cooler. Spanky even started digging a little right next to it and nestled down for an hour or so.