I have 3 tubs that I heat with zoo med heating pads and have never had a problem. I heat two of them with the same pad because its larger. And then I heat the third one with its own pad. So today when I came home the larger one had melted the two tubs and the third one wasn't hot at all. I have them controled by a zoo med rheostat. Has anyone had this problem before. Is it possible that all of the power went to the one pad and overheated? I was under the impression that when connected to a rheostat the pad could only get so hot. None of the snakes were hurt but it makes me rethink using tubs and or heating pads. I would hate to go back to aquariums for all of my snakes. I also was starting to build a rack. Do a lot of people have tub melting problems in racks. Should I use a thermostat instead? Sorry for the long post but thanks in advance and I know some of you have questions so let me know.
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heating pad melted tub
Replies (4)
probably a short in one or both heating pads. I had one heating pad (though in my case it was a normal human type heating pad set on lowest setting). It shorted out and started to melt the plastic tub but I caught it in time before any serious damage was done. I had another similar pad just stop working completely.
Plastic in itself doesn't have a very high melting point so there is always a risk if a heating element or controller fails, it can cause issues with melting plastic etc. It is always a good idea to inspect your heating pads, tapes or cords regularly to look for signs of shorts etc. Also good to check your thermostat control, be it a dimmer/rheostat or even the more expensive thermostats. (though the better quality thermostats have auto shutdown features, if they should fail...so they don't end up letting heating elements go on full force. Some even sound an audible alarm when they fail or have issues.)
Also a good idea to have a smoke detector in your snake room or near where your snakes are kept...just in case.
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PHLdyPayne
where was the thermostat probe located?....should have been right on the top of the padded area
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......JY
No probe on the rheostat
Thermostats are never a bad idea.
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"What is man without the beasts?
If all the beasts were gone,
men would die from great loneliness of spirit.
For what happens to the beasts,
soon happens to men.
All things are connected."
-Chief Seattle (Duwamish Tribe)
