Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I will be purchasing PVC caging for my snakes (I ordered the first one today). I want to use uth for all of them. I currently have or have used flexwatt and various other pull it out of the box and plug it in uth's. I like ones that are most like the flexwatt, not the "human type" with some sort of insulating cover over the actual heating mechanism whose manufacturer suggests "sticking it on the outside bottom of the enclosure". I can't remember whose these were exactly but I think they are Nature's Heat and ESU. I prefer the stiff piece of plastic with the heating element sealed more like the flexwatt. I think these were the T-Rex and Cobra mats.

I am wanting to know if the solid piece pads are safer than the flexwatt that I use. The flexwatt plastic peices that come with the connectors that are crimped on is what concerns me. I have seen warnings about the connections "arcing" and although I don't know exactly what that means, it seems to be eliminated with proper crimping of the conductors and eletrical tape or some type of silicone?? over the connections.??

I currently am using a separate rheostat for each of the uth's and will be purchasing proportional thermostat(s) when I see if I like the first cage I bought. I currently use a temp gun and monitor closely.

Can anyone offer any input?

Linda

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"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance- that principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer

Flexwatt is safe as long as 2 conditions are met:

1) The connectors are crimped on correctly; and
2) All exposed conductors are insulated or covered to prevent contact with people and any conductive surfaces.

If you don't know how to crimp those connectors effectively (and it does take some practice but is very easy), then those Cobra or other heat mats may be suited better for you. But otherwise, they are no safer than Flexwatt.
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Mark G

Assorted rosy boas, some annulata. That's it.

I'm glad to know that. I hoped flexwatt would okay, but I want to set it all up correctly the first time. If I knew all the stuff I know now in the very beginning I would have made different choices. I was trying to avoid having to upgrade in the near future.

Linda