Reptile & Amphibian Forums

If I use a glass tank with a heating pad underneath, how would I protect my snake from being burnt? Is there anything I can lay on the cage bottom to prevent a burn cause the glass gets so hot? Any help from those who use glass tanks as enclosures would be appreciated. Thanks in advance,
Linzz

It depends on the kind of heat mat, methinks. If it's the adhesive kind, then you definitely need to line the bottom of the tank with something. But something not TOO insulating, because that could cause a stress fracture in the glass. I've had good luck with custom cutting a piece of Repti-carpet or similar product to fit the tank exactly, and then putting my normal substrate (carefresh) over top of that.
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-Paul

I put my under tank heater on a rheostat (actually an ordinary light dimmer) to control the heat. I use my substrate, aspen shavings, for insulation. With the rheostat set on low, the glass is warm, not hot to the touch. And with the substrate on top, the warm side is about 85-90 degrees. I don't think there is a need for special insulation provided you use a rheostat or light dimmer. Invest in one, they are not expensive.