Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
I have one of those Kritter Keeper cages for my leopard gecko( which I'm picking up tomorrow from the petstore!!!!Yay!) and i got an under the tank heater, one that you stick to the plastic, and I was wondering if I should elevate the cage a bit, or if it will be ok just sitting on my desk, ok, thanks

>>Hi,
>>I have one of those Kritter Keeper cages for my leopard gecko( which I'm picking up tomorrow from the petstore!!!!Yay!) and i got an under the tank heater, one that you stick to the plastic, and I was wondering if I should elevate the cage a bit, or if it will be ok just sitting on my desk, ok, thanks

A Kritter Keeper for a gecko? I trust that it's either larger than any kritter keeper I've ever seen or that it's not intended to be the gecko's permanent home? (I like to see at least 10 gallons per animal for adults.) I would definitely elevate it at least a little. However, I wonder about attaching a UTH to a plastic container like that. Not sure they're really intended for that sort of use - I really prefer glass aquarium/terrariums (and a 10 gallon shouldn't cost you more than about $25 at most).
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0.1 Albino Leopard Gecko - Tigger
0.1 Crested Gecko - Pooh-Bear

Olstyn speaks the truth. Those are simply way too small for a leo.

And pad heaters shouldn't be attatched to any plastic enclosure, as they can melt them. I think that it is better to elevate them.

I don't mean to be harsh, but if you didn't know simple things like that, maybe you haven't read up on them enough? There are planty of sources avalible. NEVER EVER buy a herp without knowing their requirements.

It's not a small kriter cage, it's the largest one, very long and wide, just about the size of a 10gallon. My gecko is just a baby right now, I know that it will need a larger cage later on, I don't have enough room for one right now. And by the way, I have done my research, i just haven't used this type of a heater before, I'm always used overhead lighting, for my many herps over the years. Please don't assume that people haven't done their research simply because they ask a simple question. I have since asked at the petstore about the heater, and it is able to be stuck to the bottom of the cage without melting it. Thanks for the quick responses anyway though, I do know that people come on these forums without doing any research.

Not to be a bummer, but I am looking at the PDF of my UTH manual online right now:

"The ReptiTherm® is for use on standard glass aquariums only. We cannot be responsible for
custom or homemade cages and use of the ReptiTherm® on such cages will not be covered by
the warranty. Do not use the ReptiTherm® on anything other than glass terrariums:
NO ACRYLIC cages
NO METAL cages
NO WOOD cages
NO PLASTIC cages
(Only the RH-7 Mini is suitable for use on “Keeper” type plastic cages
because of it’s low heat output. Always place the heater on the back or side wall of this
type of cage) " - from the PDF

Which means that only the mini size can be used in the plastic cages and you'd have to install it on the side of the wall, which would defeat the purpose to providing belly heat. The reason is that the heat will dissipate more with side mounting and reduce the risk of melting. Putting a UTH on the bottom of a glass terrarium also requires the elevation of the enclosure to allow air flow beneath the UTH to prevent burn out, but the glass is more insulating and can handle increased temperature gradients. I don't trust the store personal to read the fine print and you should look for another solution, sorry that everyone seems harsh today, but they are right this time.
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0.1 Albino Leo Gecko
0.1 Crested Gecko
1.0 Dear Boyfriend
Departed: Harvey and Spock

I'm using the T-Rex cobra heating mat, which can be used for any reptile, and it is designed to be attached to either a glass or plastic cage, it will not melt the plastic. I trust the petstore that I go to, they are very knowledgeable about herps, and have a huge section of the store dedicated to them. I already knew that it wouldn't melt, I was just asking about any experience with the heater being against my desk. I have since noticed that the cage is a little bit elevated already, so the pad isn't right up against the desk.

Ok, just for my information, please: I haven't used that brand because everything I read said they are designed so that the pad operates at a constant 100F (vs a wattage output). I looked up the "mini" size and found the same information about temperature. Are you planning on using a thermostat or something to regulate the voltage to bring the temperature down or am I missing something about how to manipulate this kind?

I am used to thinking in wattage heat (probably because of my job) and that is more commonly available around here and I'm used to thinking in certain output for certain environment (like high desert) and wondering how this brand works. Thanks in advance.
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0.1 Albino Leo Gecko
0.1 Crested Gecko
1.0 Dear Boyfriend
Departed: Harvey and Spock