How to Remove a UTH!

HOW TO REMOVE A UTH (UNDER TANK HEATER)!

WARNING – This procedure is to be supervised by an adult and requires a WELL ventilated area. Because a chemical remover is being used in this procedure – the UTH is OFF.

1) Begin by flipping your tank over so the UTH can be easily removed. Place a towel under the tank to ensure no damage is done to the carpet/floor. It is wise to do this process in a bath tub or even a warm garage.

Materials needed:

- Goof Off Remover or Goo Gone. Goof off works very well.
- A spatula (plastic but not flimsy) or a putty spatula.
- Water in a bowl or spray bottle.
- A few rags or some really tough paper towel (shop towels work
great)
- A WELL ventilated area.
- Latex gloves are not suggested as they WILL MELT if in contact
with the remover; the remover may cause slight irritation of the
skin so remember to wash your hands frequently.

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2) Begin by squeezing the Goof Off remover around the UTH. Allow to sit for a few minutes.

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3) Wedge the spatula under the UTH. DO NOT LIFT! You will damage the UTH if you lift while wedging the spatula under the UTH. Use a gentle right to left motion, keeping the spatula flat against the glass. If there is resistance, use more Goof Off.

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4) Once the UTH is removed, use the spatula to GENTLY remove the glue from the UTH. Soak a rag/paper towel in water and wipe the UTH clear of the chemical remover and glue. It is O.K if glue remains on the UTH.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/missi182/SBydYp...JPG?imgmax=576

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5) To re-use the UTH, cover it in Aluminium Foil Tape. This will allow even heat transfer when it is re-used and allows the UTH to be moved when ever needed.

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6) Squeeze a small amount of Goof Off on the surface of the tank, and gently “squeegee” the remaining glue off. Spray with water or wipe clean with a damp rag/paper towel.

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7) CLEAN YOUR TANK – WELL! Rinse VERY WELL with COOL water first – hot water and chemicals create fumes. Wash the tank (I prefer good old dish soap) with warm water and rinse well again.

8) Your done!


Please feel free to ask any questions about this procedure or point out anything I have missed. Thank-you Joanna for looking this over before I posted it. I hope this helps someone out!

Missi.

wow. gr8 post. :gj:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DSGB

wow. gr8 post. :gj:

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Thanks!!

I have seen it posted many times that once a uth is applied to a tank it can't come off without being ruined. This thread should benefit many people.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dsirkle

I have seen it posted many times that once a uth is applied to a tank it can't come off without being ruined. This thread should benefit many people.

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Thanks! I have tested the UTH and it heated up evenly. I am going to check it in a few hours and see if it is still going well.

VERY cool "How To!" I've moved it into the Caging Forum and "stickied" it to the top!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JLC

VERY cool "How To!" I've moved it into the Caging Forum and "stickied" it to the top!

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Thanks a million Judy!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dsirkle

I have seen it posted many times that once a uth is applied to a tank it can't come off without being ruined. This thread should benefit many people.

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I have just peeled them off and covered the sticky part with foil tape and reused them with out a problem.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr. Constrictor

I have just peeled them off and covered the sticky part with foil tape and reused them with out a problem.

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Your pretty lucky then!:) If you bend them, they tend to short out entirely or in spots. At the pet-store UTHs run about $29.99 - $40 (well around here) so for that price I wouldn't want to break mine.

there not cheap here either. i took them off when i switched from tanks to cages. i use flex watt on the cages but when i'm cleaning out there cages i put them in a tub and throw an uth under the tub to keep them warm while cleaning.