It's rough to say what size would be appropriate. You may have to go with some trial and error, or use a combo. Get a decent size
UTH and see what it will do. Ideally, it should be up and running at least a few days before anything goes in there, just to make sure the temps don't get out of control one way or the other.
The one thing you want to do is elevate the tank about 1/4 inch. Do not place the
UTH directly on the glass, and do not sandwhich it between the glass and whatever the tank is on. Give about 1/4 between the two to make sure she/he won't burn if she/he burrows in the substrate. So yes, you do need to worry about that, but it's easily fixable/prevented.
Your substrate can double as a temp controller. Start with about a half inch, see what the
UTH will put out. Too much heat? Add a little more substrate to temper it down. If it gets close, say like 83 or 84, then add a
CHE or heat bulb on a thermostat during the day. Shut that off at night, and you have your very own night drop.
Linear Mode
