I use the heat pads too-- on the back of the tank rather than under it, the same as Devin does. They are behind the cocoas fiber matts which are damp and distribute the heat and hold it over time. I've had an experience of them scortching the stands (both wood and a vinyl top) if they are put on the bottom. They are supplemental for the coldest weather when I can't keep the house temperatures up high enough, which is occasionally a problem when it gets 30 below zero here. I also have supplemental wood stove heating which has been useful more than once during prolonged power outages. The damp substrate and the waterways, false bottoms, etc. will go a long way to stabilize the temperatures within a closed vivarium. In my paludarium combination, the aquarium water is heated with a regular aquarium submersible heater, and this affects the entire tank.



About 25 years ago, I had some long heat mats that had a thermostat and could be regulated in a range of 45 to 85 degrees. I used these in outdoor cold frames and in greenhouse frames to start early bedding plants from seed. I got them from a nursery supply house and have lost this contact over the years, but they would be ideal, as you could even put them directly under the soil substrate inside the tank or under the tank without danger of overheating. They were reliable, waterproof, and never overheated. You might check out greenhouse supplies and search around under "cold frames" and find them. As I recall, they were pretty expensive, but would be perfect if they're still available.
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Patty

Pahsimeroi, Idaho



4 D. auratus blue

5 D. galactonotus pumpkin orange splash back

5 D. imitator

6 D. leucomelas

4 D. pumilio Bastimentos

4 D. fantasticus

4 P. terribilis

4 D. reticulatus

4 D. castaneoticus

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