Temperature worries ☹️

[Daryltill]

Hi all
I’ve purchased a Giant white knee female tarantula about 2 weeks ago. I have a 30x30x30cm exoterra tank with hood, 6x11 inch 17 watt heat mat stuck to the side covering the front half of the tank only and controlled by a mat stat. The tank is filled to half way with substrate, a hide and water dish.
My problem is my heat mat struggles to reach 20 degrees ? I have changed to a high power heat mat thinking this would do the trick but it seems the same,
But I’ve also read that the heat is some kind of thermal rays which heats up objects so I’m wondering if it is not showing correct temp on my thermometer?
So my terrestrial spider is living at the top of my tank and I don’t know if he’s too hot or too cold ?

 

[Oursapoil]

And......welcome to the forum

 

[Nurse Ratchet]

Hello. Heat sources are a bit controversial and can be dangerous for your T even with a thermostat. Ambient room temperature control is safer if possible.

 

[Arachnoclown]

While tarantulas like to occasionally enjoy some heat they don't like it in excess. Tarantulas are nocturnal and hide in the heat of the day, down inside a cool burrow. When the sun and heat goes down they come out and hunt in the cool of the night. So why would you think they needed heat? They're not reptiles.

Try packing down your substrate they prefer solid substrate to walk on.