Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Needing opinions regarding best heating system for large/medium cages. Heat Emitters (Coils in cased in ceramic, in case I am using wrong name) vs. Bottom of the cage heat pads. Your opinions are valued please.

Greywolf
(Yes it is my real name)

The type of heating devices will really depend on the ambient air temps in the room that this snake is in. If, for example, the cage is in an area that is relatively warm (low to mid 80's) then I would recommend a heating pad/flex watt heat tape type of system. If your snake is more in a normal room temp environment, a ceramic heating element, or, better yet, a radiant heat panel such as Pro Products (which is what we use almost exclusively) would work well. Of course, you can even get by with a regular incadescent bulb if you need to go with a cheaper alternative (but for the money, you can't beat pro product radiant heat panels.....the best heating device on the market). Rob

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation (IL)

I would go with a large heat mat such as Kane's. I dont like heat from above for the simple reason that it robs humidity. If you have a colder room then you would need a above heater to control ambient temps but I'd still run a heat mat.