Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just finish building my new enclosure for my Argus. I was wondering if any of you guys know of a under tank heater that is safe to put inside the tank under the dirt even with the constant digging of the Argus?

Thanks

Doug

I don't know of an heater that can be used. I have the air heated and the underside unheated so my Argus can go in his holes to cool off.
-----
Ed

There are water dragons, chameleons, frilled dragons, pythons, and monitors in my jungle room.

What about at night do you keep the white basking lights on?
The room that I have him in drops to about 72 at night should he need a heat pad for this?

You can use a ceramic or night bulb for heat at night. I have never used a heat panel so I don't know if they work well or not. Make sure the monitor can't get electricuted or burned.

I have had a ceramic heat element melt a cheap clamp light. So be careful if you use one.

I hope this helps.
-----
Ed

There are water dragons, chameleons, frilled dragons, pythons, and monitors in my jungle room.

Hi Civa,

Since your room temps aren't stable and drop at night, your best bet is to leave your basking lights on 24/7 which is fine by the way incase your wondering. Another alternative would be to invest in a good rheostat, which you can use to turn temps up or down as necessary in your enclosure.

Good luck
-----
James Grigsby
Newark,Delaware

Animals Kept include:
0.0.1 Varanus Salvator (Gator)
0.1.3 Varanus Exanthematicus (Adisa "long term captive" other 3 "yet to be named hatchlings"
2.0 Ferrets (Chaos & Kasha)
1.0 Cat (George)

72 F is too low for them at night? I thought it would be fine as long as they did not drop lower than 70 F?

>>72 F is too low for them at night? I thought it would be fine as long as they did not drop lower than 70 F?

Hi again Civa,

That all depends on the age of the animal in question. Young monitors are prone to RI that is caused from temps that low but it should be fine for an adult(i believe) but I generally dont allow my temps to drop below 79f at any given point.
-----
James Grigsby
Newark,Delaware

Animals Kept include:
0.0.1 Varanus Salvator (Gator)
0.1.3 Varanus Exanthematicus (Adisa "long term captive" other 3 "yet to be named hatchlings"
2.0 Ferrets (Chaos & Kasha)
1.0 Cat (George)

It doesnt do any harm and you can easily tell when the heat source is working or not. Actually the normal cage temps should range from in the 60s (ambient) to around 90 (ambient) with a 130+f basking spot. Temp gradients allow them to choose what temps they need when they need it. Theres nothing wrong with 70f at all, some species have problems below 40f depending on them being from a more tropical origin with less adaptation to cold temps. This pic was taken in winter in my backyard at 40f, keep in mind though a larger monitor has the ability to preserve there body temps alot longer, both of my albigs go outdoors every day I get a chance to from 40f on up and up and from 30 minutes to an hour.

This is her basking spot, all of my lizards use 24/7 basking temps that are 156-195f.

Thanks for all the replies.....by the way SHvar i love the pic of sobek down by the post about the muzzle....thats got to be one of the most awesome BT/WT's I have ever seen.

i use them work perfectly