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Heat mat usage

DanW May 18, 2008 10:41 PM

Is it ok to place a heat mat on the carpet and then sit a cage on top of it or would that be a fire hazard?

Thanks,
Dan

Replies (1)

daerious May 18, 2008 11:26 PM

>>Is it ok to place a heat mat on the carpet and then sit a cage on top of it or would that be a fire hazard?
>>
>>Thanks,
>>Dan

Every heat pad I've used suggests having the pad against the glass, and then an open air space below it. Some even include the little rubber feet to raise your tank.

On my tanks that are on the floor, i use a square of plywood cut to size under them, along with the riser feet, or strips of square dowels available at hobby stores or home improvement stores.

On the other hand, years ago I did have a heat pad on carpet under a tank just as you described, and after several months use, the only issue was discoloration of the carpet (which could be a very big deal to some people). While it didn't start a fire in this case, I wouldn't say that is a good way to judge if it is a fire hazard. Considering the risk, I'd say that you probably just shouldn't take the chance.

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