Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
I have a Cobra Heat Mat that I have used for my tortoise. After reading some of the posts down below they mention that tortoises can't absorb heat underneath. So does this make my heat mat a useless item with a tortoise?

Yes to your query.

You said that you have been using the undertank heat. How has it been working so far? Is the tortoise utilizing the heat source? If it is then I don't see how it is useless. I don't normally advocate the use of underside heating but I had to use it for some tortoises outdoors and found that there is no problem using it at all. My main concern with under tank heat is the risk of fire hazard. If you exercise some caution there I don't see the difference if the heat comes from the bottom or the top. In the wild they encounter heat sources from both the bottom and the top. Think about it... where does the heat come from when the sun goes down?
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

I have not found undertank heaters to be useless.

Tortoises and turtles benefit from having an acceptable core tempurature as well as heat sources from above that can be absorbed through the carapace. Ask yourself if you believe that the environment provided will give your tortoise a core temperature of 70-75 degrees. My point is, if you live in a cooler region or you have to keep your animals in area where the ambient temperature or the substrate temperature is colder than 70 degrees, undertank heating is not a bad option.

My animals live in the basement of my home. I use kane heat mats for all my tortoise and box turtles because it raises the ambient temps to keep their core tempuratures in check. The heat mats stay on 24/7 and are regulated to not get too hot. The UV and above heat options come on during the simulated daylight. Combined, this has worked very well for me.

If you live where core temps are not an issue, then save your money, but I'm pretty sure most of us have to supplement in some way. With that said, there are many different ways to reach the right core temperature and basking temperature mix, but they differ in cost. Find the right mix that is economically feasible for you. I have found heat mats to be both cost effective and effective.

Paul

I have used under the tank heaters for years. I would agree with Ed. You must use some caution.