Ultratherm UTH questions

[lmw142]

I'm in the process of setting up a 40B tank, and this is my first time using an Ultratherm UTH. I have it insulated with aluminum foil and cardboard, on the back of the tank above the substrate. It has been on all night and has only raised the temp of the tank about 2 degrees. I am going to insulate the sides as well to help hold the heat in, but I was wondering if maybe I have it on wrong. There weren't really any instructions with it. Is there one side in particular that should be against the glass, or does it not matter?

[daws409]

From my understanding, the UTH should be directly against the glass (along back wall and ABOVE the sub). The insulation goes on the side walls and all around the UTH, not directly on top of it.... I don't have or use UTH for heat. So I may be telling you wrong. Just thought I'd put my two cents in.

Hopefully, a more experienced crabbers or one that uses and insulates UTHs will chime in.

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[Kermie16]

Where the cord inserts into the UTH, one side is rounded and other side is flat. The flat side should be up against the glass - flush with the glass. I have insulation on all 4 sides of my tat right now since the cold hit and our tank is in the draftiest room. It keeps it at a steady low to mid 80's.


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[lmw142]

Thank you! That's how I have it, I just wanted to make sure it was right. I'm covering the sides now to see if that helps.

[Crabinski]

The best insulation I've found is foam poster board. That's all I have right over my Ultratherm (only in the winter months) and it boosts the temp a good 6-8 degrees. This is the type of product I mean: http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/8 ... -Board-20/

To add another few degrees, you can also drape a small throw blanket around the back, sides and part of the top of the tank. If that isn't enough, pick up one of those mylar emergency blankets at Walmart as that will really give the temps a boost: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coghlans-1.5- ... t/23543585

[Dragonfreak]

I have the tank on a shelf plank with rubber shelving and a throw blanket so I just pull up the sides, top to help

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[GotButterflies]

I use reflectix to insulate mine. I put it on three sides of my tank. I purchased the reflectix tape as well, but it can be hung with duct tape or packaging tape.


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[PinchersAndShells]

I made cardboard wrapped with tinfoil for my current insulation, my temps never go lower than 79 degrees. It covers my entire back, except for a small square where the cord comes out, and the two sides. During the summer I don't need the insulation on the sides.

[mool]

I'm in the minority here, but I don't care for Ultratherms. I find that the one have have works great at keeping the temp of the tank at 82 degrees when it's 80 degrees in the house, but when the temp is any lower, the tank only maintains a temp of about 70.

This is with the heater installed correctly and insulated with box board on three sides and a heavy towel thrown over the top.

I had to add a Zoomed to the side of my 40B to keep that half of the tank warm. With the Zoomed added, I took off the cardboard on the end caps and put the towel away.

I'm quite underwhelmed with Ultratherms' performance.