Reptile & Amphibian Forums

One of my ZooMed UT Heaters has begun falling off of one my aquarium style cages. I can stick it back on, but within a couple of days it starts to peal off again.

Can anyone recommend an adhesive that's 'safe to use' for re adhering the heat pad to the tank?

Thanks.

if you can create a way for there to be a thin layer of air between you pad and the tank you will be in better shape. When stuck to the glass it will conduct more heat than intended and consetrate the heat in a smaller area. Also, the way they work is in such a way that the need the air to ventalate them or they will get too hot. There is a lot of ways you can do this but a very easy thing to do is just tape the sides and let there be a small "U" like dip in the middle. Other ways are difficult to describe but I am sure someone can post a nice diagram since this comes up fairly often.

Hmm. This is the first I've heard of this except when using a human heating pad. I use a rheostat on all my heating devices so temps should be okay, although someone could make the argument that a UTH could still develop hot spots when attached directly to the tank bottom.

Anyway, if you have a link bring it on. Thanks.

-Jason

I use adhesive heat pads on some cages...I am just saying it is better not to. You are fine with a reostat most my cages have one on cages not adhesive (my majority) as well. Duct tape will still work for you.

It is best to not attach the UTH to the tank. I would get a ceramic floor tile (about $1) and attach it to that. If it won't stick, use some aluminum tape to attach it to the tile. Then, raise your tank just a little with a couple thin pieces of wood (like 1x3s). This puts the heat about 1/4 inch or so from the bottom of the tank. There will also be enough room to place the temp probe from a thermostat in the space. I hope you are using a thermostat or dimmer switch to regulate the temps.

quoting myself now...

>>I use a rheostat on all my heating devices

Yep. My temps are fine. In addition to rheostats, I also keep a digital temp probe on the substrate above the mat (and cool end). Thanks for the suggestion(s).