Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Does anyone here use plastic containers for an enclosure (rubbermaid-like) If so how do you install the heat source...I was thinking that I could just cut a square out of the top and add screen to set a heat lamp on...do you think that would melt the plastic if I use tall container.

i keep alot of stuff in various sized rubbermaids but i warm/cool the entire room instead of individual boxes. easier and a lot safer too.......

I just set mine directly on top of a heat source. Heat tape for little boxes, and regular "human" heating pads for the largest boxes. However, I have cut holes in rubbermaid boxes and screened the top over to provide extra ventilation for subocs. This works really good and is quite strong, but I don't know that I would put much more then am aluminum clamp light with a regular incandescent bulb on top of it.
Cheers!

I don't really have a room where the temp stays constant. I've heard about that PCV type plastic thats supposedly self extinguishing, would that be better if I can find it.
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0.0.1 Green Water Dragon
1.0.0 Tokay Gecko
1.1.3 Bearded Dragons
0.1.0 Columbian Red-tailed Boa
1.0.0 Yellow Ratsnake
0.0.1 California Kingsnake

>>I don't really have a room where the temp stays constant. I've heard about that PCV type plastic thats supposedly self extinguishing, would that be better if I can find it.>>
as a general rule, i'd say if you think there's enuff chance of a fire hazard that you want/need to use self-extinguishing materials, then you shouldn't use the method in the first place. it might self extinguish and extinguish nearby life forms in the process!
i'd go with the people who recommend alternate heat sources. the under-box type are fine for snakes; if you're trying to provide heat for a basking lizard then maybe a heat lamp is necessary and the plastic box prohibited?
terry