Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i posted b4 and got no responses, but someone's gotta have input about this. i feel i'm being neglected...help me out yo. here's my first question:

first of all, i was wondering how it works? do you have to plug it in somewhere? if i were to buy some from bigappleherp.com, would i need to buy some cord stuff to hook it up? i need to buy some uth for a 20L, so i was wondering if anyone has any cheap ideas cuz i have limited $$. also, do any of you guys use heat tape? is it reliable? is 20 watt/foot good? what's my best option? thanks

-chip

and second:

what do you guys think about this?

Ultratherm Heat Pads
Made in Scotland, these heat pads are specifically designed for the vivarium keeper. The same technology as the Flexwatt Heat Tape is used, but it has been manufactured into a pad with an additional polyurethane coating to ensure moisture resistance and durability. These pads are regulated, because of low wattage, to stay between 65ºand 95ºF (depending on exterior temperature) thereby eliminating the need for a thermostat. However, if precise temperatures need to be achieved, use in combination with a proportional thermostat or a dimmer. Low wattage, long life and excellent cost make these heat pads great for using with herps and small animals. Comes with 6 foot cord and plug. This is a UL listed component.

i'd pry get the 11x11 one, or 11x17.
here's the link of the stuff i was looking at:
https://secure.ioncart.net/beanfarm/shopdisplayproducts.asp?page=4

-chip

any help on this would be greatlyappreciated. thanks guys!

-chip

I use the ultratherm heatpad for my hatchlings. It's VERY nice, and it doesn't get as hot as UTHs. The good thing about this is that you don't have to attach it permanently to the tank, so you can always use it for another tank. Beanfarm's also a nice place to order from, and I would recommend them to anybody. I think I paid about $17 for the heatpad by itself, plus $7 shipping.

For my 20L, I use the 10/20 UTH and plug that into a rheostat (which plugs into a wall). This size UTH gets REALLY hot, so a rheostat or thermostat is absolutely necessary to control the temperature. With a rheostat, you can also plug in another heating device, in case you ever want to get another tank or something. It'd probably cost around $30ish for the UTH and rheostat with shipping from petguys.com, which is also another great place I like to order from.
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chickabowwow

3.2.2 leopard geckos (Rosie, Locke, Lisa, Caesar, Tommy)
and 1 more egg a' cookin'

Here is a link for wiring flexwatt that I came across when I was considering it: http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/flexwire.html

I just ended up getting the dragon's lair heat mat cause I was kinda paranoid about the flexwatt. I know people who have said they use it and never have had any problems, but the heat mat was just easier and I would have worried too much about the heat tape. I would definatly think of getting the clip and insulator set that you can purchase with it if your going to go that way.

I can't really help on the other question as I have never used that particular mat.

Hope that helps!
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0.1 Leopard Gecko (Kai)
0.1 Spiney Soft Shelled Turtle (Berta)
3.1 Cats (Lancelot, Galahad, Orion, Mally)
1.0 Husband (Greg)