Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I don't want to sound naive or stupid, but exactly how important is it to use a thermostat with 6 watt heat tape. how hot can it get without the thermostat? too hot for a corn.

i'm looking into a small rack for like 6 snakes (to start) and i think heat tape is the best way to go.

thanks,
me

I'm not sure on the wattage of my flexwat, but it will get too hot. My snakes will be scrunched up on the cool side if I even turn it up a bit too much (not even all the way).
You could try it, and if they all stay on the cool side then you know that you need a thermostat.

I just checked the place where I bought my flexwatt and the watts are 6watts for a 4" tape. When I had it plugged in direct I set an oven thermometer on it and the heat was over 100'.
I have it on a rheostate ( home made..using a dimmer switch, plastic box, a double outlet plug, and heavy wire) and the temp is now about 96' The inside of their plastic boxes has just a gentle sensation of heat..Just like my holding them in my hands,
98.6'
It is very easy to overheat a baby or any snake, but a baby espaecially.
Just my info.
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All creatures great and small we are to care for them all.
4 Corns,6 Kings,3 Milks,1 German Shephard,1 Cairn & 1 Giant Schnauzer

>>I don't want to sound naive or stupid, but exactly how important is it to use a thermostat with 6 watt heat tape. how hot can it get without the thermostat? too hot for a corn.
>>
>>i'm looking into a small rack for like 6 snakes (to start) and i think heat tape is the best way to go.
>>
>>thanks,
>>me

Get a dimmer switch and wire it in.....Unregulated it will get to about 130-150* surface.
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Sonya