Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was considering using an under tank heater mat. I was wondering, should I get one that covers the entire underside? It says it will produce heat about 90 F or 100 F. Is that going to be too hot in the tank for the boa all the time? I know it wouldn't get all the heat into the tank, but I assumed it would get pretty close after a while. I was considering buying a dimmer for it, to lower the temperature below 90-100 F, and using two smaller mats so there would be a cooler and hotter end. I know it can move away from the heat but I would rather have a happy boa. Of course I am going to set it up and let it run for a few days to make sure before I put the boa in but I was just loking for some input from those of you that have used them before.

No you do not want to cover the entire cage bottom, you want to cover about half of it, so that you have a gradient between 90deg on the warm side and mid/low 80s on the cool side.

the boa will decide where he/she likes it.

That is kinda what I was thinking, do it that way, I was wondering about it being to cold though where the pad wasnt.

Personaly, I try to steer clear of under tank heat sources. the best way is from above. Or if you must,...from the side or end. Dessert rays heat pannels are the stuff I use. Thy work great with a herp power proportional thermostat.

Heat soucres underneith the enclosure are not as safe electricly, or for the animal. They can cause burns just like those old heat rocks that many of us have tried and disguarded. And they are way more likely to start a fire than the system I use.

But you are right, in that you want a hot spot about 90 or so, and a cooler area, so the animal has a choice. Good luck,
Tony.