Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone. I have a question about the heating for my new BP. I got a heating pad, but it says on the instructions that the heating pad should be under the tank, but Newspaper should NOT be used as the substrate. Why is this? Everyone has told me that newspaper is good to use, but I am worried that the heating pad will ignite it or something. If you have any information, please let me know. Thanks!

Catnipcutie

It is because UTH stips and pads usually run around 110-120 degrees.
newspaper might not be a sufficiet buffer to protect the snake from a thermal burn.
especially if it goes under the paper.

It is best to use UTH in conjuction with a dimmer switch or reostat/thermostat to make sure the pad doesn't get too hot.

TomChambers

Don't worry about the newspaper or heating pad igniting. The ignition point of paper is 218-246 degrees celcius. Most heating pads won't even get near this temperature and the heating pads are designed for the purpose of producing only a certain level of heat. Attach the heating pad underneath the tank with foil tape and check the temperature on the inside of the tank directly on the surface of the paper. If it's too high, then get a thermostat to regulate the temp. I've use a Dragon's Lair heating pad attached to a thermostat for 1 1/2 years running constantly with zero problems. And the heating pad is attached to the bottom of a rubbermaid container.