Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Alright I got this heating pad for humans, but I was told I can use it. It comes in a blue cloth cover and has 4 buttons attached to it, my questions are:

1) Do I leave the blue cover (its fabric) over the heating pad or remove it?

2) What setting do I put the heating pad on blue (low), yellow (medium)or red (hot)? (the 4th button black is off)

3) How long do I use the heating pad daily, and remember this is coupled with a exo-terra 75 watt bulb/120 volt bulb that is placed right on the protective screen for usually 12-15 hrs daily?

4) With this light is the heating pad still nessessary?

Thanks for all the help, and please don't disregaurd answering questions because the last one may void everything out

forgot to mention the heating pad is 50 watts/120 vac's and its wetproof, the fabric is composed of 80% acetate and 20% nylon

I forgot to tell you to get a thermometer.You want the basking or warm spot to be around 82 to 85 degree's.I peronally wouldnt use a light and a heating pad at the same time.That's alot of heat.As for the setting of the pad i would try it on low first and get a temp reading off the glass.If your gonna use the light i would check the temp under it also.I do apologize for ommitting the thermometer....Paul.

I forgot to mention I already have a thermometer and a humidity indicator. But anyways without the heating pad, with the light on, the cooler side is 84 F. Would it be a good idea to maybe use the light during the day because I know it puts out essential rays for the health of the snake and then substitute the heating pad at night? Anyways I figure imma buy a real heating pad in a few days they only cost like 12 dollars. But my humidity is like 48% (moderate), that sound about right? Anyways reply back and tell me what you think about my idea and once again thanks.

Corns dont need light like other reptiles do.There mostly a nocturnal snake by nature.They can absord there calcium fine without lights.82 for a cool spot is still hot.I just use undertank heat for all my snakes and i place it on the far side of the tank.It will become a pain in the rectum to plug and unplug mats and lights.My snakeroom/bedroom get's cold at nite down to 60 sometimes and ive never had a problem just using a heat mat.Just make sure some air gets under your tank so the pad doesnt overheat....Paul.

np

If it were me..... I would lose the light and use just the heat pad. Though I have never used a human heat pad for a herp I would say, set it on the button that keeps the pad about 90- 95( I am guessing lowest) and put it under a 1/4 or so of the cage.
Some of my reasoning....

Lights get HOT and can cause burns in a heartbeat. You are also using a 75 watt unit and that is more watts than the pad. Also it is less 'escapable' heat than a pad to lay on. I personally use the low wattage herp pads or tape........lower electric use and easier for me.

Light has to go off at night or you stress the little guy and then your temp may drop too much.That said I really don't think snakes are generally comfortable living under glaring light all day....maybe I am thinking wrong. With the pad the available heat is there but ambient usually will drop naturally due to household temp.
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Sonya

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