Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know everyone says paper towels are best but I have some concerns with them.

Won't the UTH or Heat Lamp burn the towels, and ultimately the gecko? I tried it for a few days when on Vaca with her and the water dish spilled a little. A day later the bottom of the towels were scorched a bit where the water was. Is this normal?

You need to put your UTH on a thermostat or dimmer switch. Without this it very well could burn your gecko, and will if he gets under the paper towel. Zoo Med makes good dimmer swicthes. I use them on all of my reptiles because thermostats are so expensive. As long as you get it on a thermostat or dimmer than paper towels are great to use. Just please try to get one of the 2 ASAP. And if it's already on one turn it down a bit.
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No, we're never gonna quit,Ain't nothin' wrong with it,Just actin' like we're animals - Nickelback, Animals

Luckily she's not on them yet, we're on tile for the moment but she seems bored with them and it's time for a cage clean. I have a foam burrow for now but she tends to get lazy in it.

When I do get the thermostat/dimmer what setting it should be on?

Definitely get some kind of dimmer. And double up on paper towel layers. It should be warm, but if it gets hot, you've got a problem.

-Patrick

I have a UTH that's made for a 20 gal long tank. I currently am sending half the power to it on 3 layers of paper towel. It's been cold in my house so that's where it's been staying. You have to adjust every once and a while according to the room temps. Just very small taps up or down though, no major changes. Best of Luck! If you have any more Q's dont be afraid to ask.
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No, we're never gonna quit,Ain't nothin' wrong with it,Just actin' like we're animals - Nickelback, Animals