We’re so excited you’ve received your Focus³ Habitats Hangar1 Traverse!
The heated mat must be used with a thermostat set to “dimming” mode, we use and recommend the Herpstat brand thermostats. These heated units are designed to work in average home temperatures of 72 degrees or more. Your home’s ambient temperature, humidity, and airflow play a role in your enclosure’s thermostat settings and humidity needs.
You can place your thermostat probe through the rear probe hole 9 to 9.5 inches in by measuring and marking your probe cord. Confirm the probe is in place, otherwise the thermostat settings will incorrectly read. Once probe is installed the proper length in, secure probe cord with provided zip tie making sure probe cord is captured and does not move.
Due to the probe measuring the heating element itself, rather than the temperature of the interior basking part of the tub, you will need to set your thermostat temperature setting higher than your desired basking spot temperature. Typically, 8-10 degrees over is a starting point for average home ambient temperatures.
Once your thermostat is set accordingly (follow your thermostat’s manufacturer instructions), it is best to let the enclosure run for a few days without the animal while measuring and confirming your preferred enclosure temperatures with a laser temp gun directly on the basking spot. Do not rely on the thermostat’s temperature setting alone to measure your desired temperature.
It is recommended to use a laser temp gun as well as Govee or SensorPush thermometer/hydrometer to measure spot temperatures within the tub. Measure the temperature with your laser temp gun physically near the area you want to measure (about an inch or so) to make sure the temp gun is not reading or reflecting on something else around or behind the area. The heating element will also be warmer than the ambient temperatures. Please refer to your thermostat’s manual for to turn on dimming mode and other setup properties to reach your desired temperature.