Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just had a question about heathing the underbelly of the tank. I have a a heat pad(non sticky) that i was going to use, however i have heard these aren't the best to use, do to the fact that they don't create the gradient that bps need to thermogate their body temps. I've read that using a human heating pad and rasing the tank(with would blocks or rubber feet) will work alot better. is this true?

and yes i am changing the tank lid to plexiglass to keep humidty and temp in.

any help would be appriciated

nev

Human heating pads could work, although a zoo med or king cobra would be much preferred, depending upon what type of substrate you use and how much. No matter what, connect all heating elements to a thermostat to properly regulate temp. and DO NOT use anything except digital thermometers, as the little do-dads are always completely wrong. And switching the top to plexiglass isn't completely neccessary. Instead, depending how much of a temp. and humidity boost you need, take 2-4 sheets of tinfoil, all shiny side down, and cut it so that it covers about 3/4 of the top, leaving a little space in the cool side. Then tape that dxown with 2 layers of duct tape, and that should hold everything well enough to create a natural environment. Good luck on whatever you decide.

Check the heat pad if you use the human type ones, I use them in an emergency in my QT shed outside when I have a rescue or pickup (I work at the local PD they call me whenever there is a snake call, OT is OT ) lately all I have been able to find are the heat pads that auto shut off after 15 minutes, or a certain amount of time of inactivity.

D