Reptile & Amphibian Forums

our younger beardie is moving to a bigger tank, and I have questions regarding the under tank heater (not sure exactly what its called, the mat with a sticky side that attaches to the underside) it seems to be sticking ok after moving it, but I have questions...
what can I do to insulate, the tank is on a dresser, not the stand that came with the tank so the heater is against wood, is this simply a bad idea, or can I place tin foil or something to insulate,
and question 2) our vet is strongly recommending using newspaper only for substrate, so insulation created by the sand we had been using is gone and the bottom of the tank is quite hot, he has a branch to climb on, but he still wanders and chased crickets, so, some sand covered with paper? more paper? The tank has always been on the dresser, but I didn't realize how hot it was getting, maybe it gets hotter on top than on bottom. Anyway, thanks.

You shouldn't be using an under tank heater with a bearded dragon. Dragons should get all of their heat from above. (lights)

Like BDLvr said, under tank heaters are practically useless with bearded dragons. Though a warm belly is fine,l it isn't how they regulate their temperatures. By instinct Bearded dragons will climb to get warm, they burrow or go into shelter, to cool down when its really hot. So, an undertank heater is no good.

Also, sandwiching a under tank heater between wood and glass (ie bottom of your cage and a dresser) is a fire waiting to happen. Not to mention an unregulated heating pad can quickly get too hot and burn your dragon if he is lying on the cage above. Also, it can crack the bottom of the tank, if it is glass.

REmove the under tank heater, or just unplug it if its stuck to good. Use basking lights to get the correct basking temperatures
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PHLdyPayne

Thanks, I won't use it. But, I have to say, its so frustrating getting conflicting info. The pet store that sold us sand that we now are being told is not safe sold us the heater knowing exactly what type of setup and lizard we had. One kid really pushes pinkies, but I'm learning that they're probably bad for beardies (too much fat???).
It was a different store that told me it was OK to transfer the heater to a different tank, and they also knew the setup and what kind of lizard.
Oh well, I know better now. Thanks again.

Problem with many pet stores, is alot of the employees know little to nothing about proper care of reptiles. Some people do take the time to research and understand proper care of their animals they sell but many are just there because they need the money.

Also, some managers don't care if their employees know anything about the care of the animal, just as long as they sell stuff on their shifts. They may also push products that the store sells, whether its good or not.

Sure the bags of calcium sands say they are safe to use...but they are not, nor are they easily digestible. Most are not in the stomach long enough to even start to break down, and can clump up, cause blockages etc.

You are right that pinkies are not a good regular source of food for bearded dragons. A rare treat is fine...but feeding them often, can cause problems. Pinkies are a treat. Adults can have them once in awhile, and they are good to give to females who are being bred and producing clutches, to help give them energy and a boost between clutches.
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PHLdyPayne