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Heating pads and Slate tile bottoms...

Sypha Apr 02, 2004 11:08 AM

Anyone that uses a heating pad in conjunction with slate tiling for the leo's cage might be able to answer a few questions I have regarding this.

If you put the heat pad under the cage, and there is a layer of slate above the glass, will any heat at all absorb through and heat the animals, or should the heat pad be placed against a wall instead?

And, what about sticking a mat under the tiles instead of under the cage... would that make any difference?

I have a 100 watt bulb on the hot side of the cage, but don't think there is enough ambient heat. Maybe, instead of a heat mat, should I get a ceramic heater?

Replies (4)

snarks Apr 02, 2004 12:02 PM

I have the exact thing almost

Just touch the tile and see if its warm. Also use a digital thermometer if you're really worried

Good luck

Sypha Apr 02, 2004 12:18 PM

Okay. Will do. Thanks

RedQuake Apr 02, 2004 05:36 PM

I use tiles and i've never had a problem with heat. Only in the winter did i use lighting as the room temps dropped significantly, however after reinstalling the heater for the room, i was able to maintain a temp of 72-75 degrees.

The tiles do hold heat very well and yes the under tank heater is underneith the glass of the tank. I would not recommend putting it derectly under the tile then laying the tile on the bottom of the tank as the UTH requires a space to vent excess heat, thats why most or at least the ones i bought come with those little rubber spacers to put on the corners of the tank.

Are you using a Rheostat or thermostat with your under tank heater? Without them the heaters can become to hot, even with the tiles on top. Ambient heat can be increased by upping the room temps or using a simple low wattage light bulb on a timer to give day/night schedules. Because my gecko room is in the basement with little natural daylight this is what i plan on doing once i can get all of my tanks situated on one side of the room. I plan on installing one light above them and having it on a timer instead of leaving the room light on.

I hope that helps
Red

>>Anyone that uses a heating pad in conjunction with slate tiling for the leo's cage might be able to answer a few questions I have regarding this.
>>
>>If you put the heat pad under the cage, and there is a layer of slate above the glass, will any heat at all absorb through and heat the animals, or should the heat pad be placed against a wall instead?
>>
>>And, what about sticking a mat under the tiles instead of under the cage... would that make any difference?
>>
>>I have a 100 watt bulb on the hot side of the cage, but don't think there is enough ambient heat. Maybe, instead of a heat mat, should I get a ceramic heater?
-----
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Sypha Apr 03, 2004 09:53 PM

No, I don't have a thermostat, or rheostat. Though, I intend to get one soon. Just need to wait on the next pay check... Lol.

I currently have an 8 watt heat mat under the cage, under the tiles. Seems to be working pretty well. I'll keep an eye on the temperature of the tiles for the next couple of days to make sure it doesn'y hurt my hands... if it does, then I'm going to just unplug it frequently until I get a rheostat.

Thanks for the reply.

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