Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i want to add an additional area of warmth..... could i strap a heat pad to the underside of a resting area?....

I would go with a heating pad specifically designed for reptiles and not one for human use!!!!!! Other than that yes go with it. I did not know if you meant a reptile heating pad or not, I wanted to state that just incase!!!! I have used reptile heating pads inside an enclosure before attached to the bottom of two shelves with half log hides on the top of them. It seemed to work out pretty well until I added actual misting systems and had to remove them due to moisture.

Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!

If you feel like you must use a heating pad, use one intended for humans, not reptiles. The ones made for reptiles are notorius for burning your pets.

I wanted to add some extra localized heat. I did not want allow them to lay right on it but have a way to have some localized heating in thier cage. Having a mild issue keeping thier cage warm enough in places other than right below the heat lights.

If the animal is allowed direct contact, such as laying directly on it, then yes burns can and do occur!!!!!!!! A reptile heating pad is flat and thin with a sticky back ( even heat tape) that can be used to attach to the underside of a shelf,the outside bottom of an enclosure or the outside wall of an enclosure, where as the animal cannot come directly in contact with it.
A reptile heating pad is also sealed better and made of stronger more sturdier material!! I also believe a reptile heating pad is designed to run in longer intervals if not constantly.( I could be wrong on that but that is what I am led to believe from the inquiries I have made on this sort of heating element in regards to a heating pad designed specifically for reptile use VS human intended heating pads.)

CLP, I would take both our suggestions into consideration and just go with what you believe would be safest for your set-up, either way just make sure that the heating pad you use has atleast one side of it exposed to open air so that the element does not overheat and melt causing a possible fire hazard!!!!!!!! The fire hazard is always a main concern of mine as I am not always around to monitor my set-ups all day.
Good Luck

You should also attach a thermostat to a reptile heating pad to prevent burns. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to do this either. Simply go to your hardware store of choice and ask for a lamp dimmer that can be installed on the electric cord. As long as you follow the directions and don't have the mat plugged in you should have no problem installing the dimmer in about 5 minutes. Use the dimmer to adjust the heat.

Do a google for reptile heat panels. These attach to the walls of the cage and do a great job of giving off heat without getting hot enough to burn your animals.

-Z