Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Most heat pads/mats brands warn that they must be used only under glass tanks, but if they are used under a plastic tub with a thermostat is it ok?

anyone had any bad experience with plastic tubs and heat?

what are the best heat pads brands, zoomed, exo-terra etc?

I use ZooMed heat pads exclusively in my melamine rack setups. I generally only use the 4x5 size and I order several at a time from one of the online pet supply sources. This allows me to rearrange and expand my collection quickly and inexpensively.
You have to be careful because they can get too hot if there isn't room for some air circulation. The tubs I use, Sterilte 41 qt., are raised a little at the bottom and this seems to be enough. I also use several layers of newsprint which diffuses some of the heat. I don't use thermostats or rheostats, but I may add some for safety. I would't suggest using any size pad larger than the 4x5 unless you leave a significant air gap.
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http://www.mikefoux.com
http://www.cafepress.com/shedz

1.1.0 Hondurans Het Amel
1.1.0 Hondurans Anery, Het Hypo
0.1.0 Honduran Hypo
0.1.0 Honduran Hypo, Het Anery
0.2.0 Pueblans
1.0.0 Pueblan Hypo
1.0.0 Thayeri MSP
0.0.1 GBK Blair's Phase
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0.0.1 Speckled King WC
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1.0.0 San Diego Gopher, Poss. Het Applegate
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0.1.0 Wife, Caucasius Mexicana

I forgot to mention that when I need more surface area, ie. for larger snakes, I add extra heat pads rather than stepping up to a larger size.

Some people may scream at me for my methods, but this is working for me and the snakes are all doing well. I've been using this setup with the melamine racks and heat pads for around three years.
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http://www.mikefoux.com
http://www.cafepress.com/shedz

1.1.0 Hondurans Het Amel
1.1.0 Hondurans Anery, Het Hypo
0.1.0 Honduran Hypo
0.1.0 Honduran Hypo, Het Anery
0.2.0 Pueblans
1.0.0 Pueblan Hypo
1.0.0 Thayeri MSP
0.0.1 GBK Blair's Phase
1.0.0 California King
0.1.0 California King Blue-eyed Blond
0.0.1 Speckled King WC
0.0.1 Jungle Carpet
0.1.0 Ball, Normal
1.0.0 San Diego Gopher, Poss. Het Applegate
0.0.1 Sulcata
0.1.0 Wife, Caucasius Mexicana

Just kidding. I agree with your methods.

And when my room temp gets warm, even for a larger snake it is nice to be able to leave one small heat pad at 90 plus deg and just turn off the second pad. Bottom line: multiple smaller heaters gives you more control of the conditions than one larger heater.
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Mark

I have used Cobra heat mats for years. They are a little expensive but have been trouble free. They heat to 100 F I believe. Make sure there is a gap for air. I adjust temp by placing more or less of cage on heater. I use them with no thermostat. A thermostat though would allow more precise control.

Dan

so the conclusion is that a heat mat usually is not a danger to use with a plastic tub, and that with a thermostat it is even safer.

thanks

I was actually going to post about the same thing and some more. I use racks right now, which wouldn't be as direct heat as an undertank heater on a plastic tub. It seems that no one has any problems with melting or the like?

Secondly, does anyone use simply rubbermaid or equivalent tubs, not in a rack, and use the lids? I was wondering how to make sure that a simple locking rubbermaid tub is escape proof?

Thanks!

Weight. Use lots and lots of weight if you're going to use tubs with the lids on. I keep my pythons in large tubs and use a couple of stacks of books evenly distributed to keep them from escaping. I've heard of other people using binder clips on the lids, but I wouldn't trust that method.
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http://www.mikefoux.com
http://www.cafepress.com/shedz

1.1.0 Hondurans Het Amel
1.1.0 Hondurans Anery, Het Hypo
0.1.0 Honduran Hypo
0.1.0 Honduran Hypo, Het Anery
0.2.0 Pueblans
1.0.0 Pueblan Hypo
1.0.0 Thayeri MSP
0.0.1 GBK Blair's Phase
1.0.0 California King
0.1.0 California King Blue-eyed Blond
0.0.1 Speckled King WC
0.0.1 Jungle Carpet
0.1.0 Ball, Normal
1.0.0 San Diego Gopher, Poss. Het Applegate
0.0.1 Sulcata
0.1.0 Wife, Caucasius Mexicana

also, check the types of tubs and lids. some types have more of a gap than others. I've found that the sterelite tubs with latches on each end have lids that fit rather well. The plain tubs with the white lids have a little gap on each side. Binder clips work well on smaller tubs for baby snakes. You can stack your tubs and put books on the top.

Also, for heating, I keep my tubs on metal shelving. The metal helps to dissipate the heat from the heat pads.

Get a thermometer and take readings when you set up your tubs to be sure that you're not getting any heat buildup.
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1.0.0 Great Plains Ratsnake
1.0.0 Corn, Lavender Aztec het for Amel
0.1.0 Black Ratsnake
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