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UTH Sizing

Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2018 10:53 am
by sammiewunchkins
Is there a post anyone has made for UTH sizing? I'm ordering some ultratherms for a 55gal and a 130 gal and would prefer not to have to use heat lamps additionally.
Thanks!!


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Re: UTH Sizing

Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2018 11:21 am
by piratetoothgir
I used the Ultratherm 47x11 for my 55 gallon, it fits perfectly on the back :)
For the 130, I am not sure since I do not know the dimensions, but you could probably get the longest ones and put them together.

Re: UTH Sizing

Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2018 11:29 am
by sammiewunchkins
Thanks so much!!
stella wrote:I used the Ultratherm 47x11 for my 55 gallon, it fits perfectly on the back :)
For the 130, I am not sure since I do not know the dimensions, but you could probably get the longest ones and put them together.
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Re: UTH Sizing

Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2018 7:24 pm
by Motörcrab
There has been a little bit of discussion on here about correct sizing for an UTH. I'm partially quoting wodesorel on this from another UTH topic on her response about sizing.

Some people get one as big as possible to cover all of the glass on the back of the tank. That will allow warmer areas in the substrate to give the grabs different options for molting. It can also potentially dry out the substrate quicker near the rear of the tank as well.

Others keep the UTH at or above the substrate level heating just the air in the tank. That will keep the substrate closer to room temperature but possibly save on the substrate from drying out as quickly.

I am all over the place with this one. We currently upgraded from a 10 G & 20 Tall to a 30 gallon. The one from the 20 went onto the back of the 30. On the 20 it covered the entire back and would dry out the substrate 2-3 inches from the heater along the back of the tank. After changing that UTH over to the 30 we did not see anything to worry about yet. Given it is summer in Pennsylvania and has been rather warm this year. We placed it from the left side of the tank to about 12 inches from the right end. I'm hoping with some insulation it will still be enough in the winter. We do have the UTH from the 10 we can use for an additional heat source.