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Is it ok to keep a heat pad under a durable rubbermaid? The heat pad is low watt.
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1.1 Adult childrens/spotted python pair
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.1 Tremper Albino
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.1 bearded dragon
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.1 blue tounge skink
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Coastal Herps

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As long as the heat pad doesn't reach extreme temperatures (over 130 would be a good limit) then the plastic won't melt. Over time it will become softer and warp a little bit because of the prolonged exposure, but that's no big deal.

Just provide enough ventilation and you'll be set.
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Current Collection:
0.1 Antherystic elaphe guttata guttata - Corn Snake
1.0 Elaphe vulpina gloydi - Eastern Fox Snake
0.1 Leucistic elaphe obsoleta linheimeri - Texas Ratsnake
1.1 Morelia spilota cheyni - Jungle Carpet Python
0.1 Tiliqua scincoides intermedia - Northern Blue Tongue Skink

>>Is it ok to keep a heat pad under a durable rubbermaid? The heat pad is low watt.

Just think of it this way....if it is hot enough to melt plastic it is gonna be burning your animal. So, since you will regulate it down for the animal it won't be melting anything. Just don't use unregulated reptile UTH, that get to 135-140 usually.
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Sonya

Haven't we warned you about tampering with the structure of a chaotic system?
Mrs. Neutron

People sit Rubbermaid and similar plastic tubs directly on top of heat tape so THEORETICLY it should be safe to use a heat pad. I would be cautious and experiment thoroughly. If the heat pad is too warm heat can continue to build up to a much higher level than the heat pad itself. It is like placing a cigarette on a couch, it will not start a fire unless it is placed between the cushions and the heat can build up. This is the same principle that causes clothes dryer fires when people fail to clean their lint traps and exhaust tubes. The heat from a dryer is not hot enough to start a fire but if it is confined it definitely will. Even if it does not seem too hot to touch, the pad may slowly melt the plastic. Heat will also chemically break down synthetics like plastic and cause off gassing of things like cyanide and flammable petroleum based compounds. I would use a pad I could control and set it very low. Place the tub of choice on it, fully set up except for the animal itself. Monitor it every few hours for damage and inside temperature. As soon as you reach the inside temperature you need I would mark it and then monitor it for several days to a week or so. If all goes well with no problems or changes in the plastic, then I would introduce my pet. I would continue to inspect the plastic regularly there after. Of course I would read all manufacturer warnings and recommendations.

Randy
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Firehouse Herps