Reptile & Amphibian Forums

are ultratherms good products for heating cages? im planning on getting a vision or AP cage for my ball python and i want to use these inside the cage. Is this a good idea? ANyone have any experience with ultratherm heat pads?

They are the same thing as flexwatt, just thicker coating. In my opinion I dont know whay you would go with a 20 dollar UTH when you can have a peice of 11" flexwatt for under 5 bucks. Also I beleive they are kind of misleading as far as their statements about not needing a thermostat. They are not regulated, just a low wattage heat source.. If your room teps are not stable them the heat in the cage will not be stable. Whay do you want to put it in the cage? You can use a heating source under the cage as well. Hope this helps,
-Matt
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www.mgreptiles.com
CBB Herps and Heating Supplies

under linoleum in a HUGE wooden cage (6'6" on one side with an A life therm set to 95 degrees. I love them! I also did an experiment when I first got them by running them wide open (no snake) for two days. Hottest they ever got was 110. Room temp is 75ish year 'round. The reason I did not do the flexwatt thing is if you don't know what you're doing (me), you can BURN DOWN YOUR HOUSE! The Ultratherms are all sealed in plastic, are UL listed and have a nice long cord, plus they are of the low wattage type. Makes me sleep easier.

Flex watt is not for reptiles yet people insist on using it for them. Fires have started with them and they are infact banned in some countries.
Your better off spending more money like you do and being safe.
Malays

Malays,
Flexwatt is indeed manufactured for reptiles! You need to knwo what your talking about before you talk! Here is a link
http://www.calorique.com/products/reptile.asp
Exo-terra products are made by the same company are indeed flexwatt. They do not burn the house down if used properly. Just like a radient heat panel, if not used they way the manufacture intends will increase a chance of a product failure. There are more reported cases of zoo-med under tank heater killing animals. I have never heard of a properly regulated heating element burning down a house. There are more reported cases of a "reptile thermostat" alife and zoo-med failing and killing animals than anything else!
-Matt
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www.mgreptiles.com
CBB Herps and Heating Supplies

I can see by that site your right I do know they at one time couldnt sell them for reptile heating in certain areas Canada being one. I guess they improved them and imagine yes if used correctly they wont start a fire but I have read several posts on fires starting and one recently with them.
Granted after reading that site you posted I would imagine they werent used correctly but its alot easier to use ultra therm or cobra heat pads correctly which you simply place under tank and all the wiring is done for you. Again I see after reading your post they are used for reptiles.
Malays.

Yeah for some reason flexwatt is really misunderstood and people are afraid of twhat they do not understand.. Which is a good thing.. If you are afraid of flexwatt then you should not use it. Just like owning a certin specie of snake, if you dont undetand its husbandry or are leary of it because of its size it is better fo rthe animal and the keeper to stay from that animal..
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www.mgreptiles.com
CBB Herps and Heating Supplies

Oh by the way as far as zoo med UTH pads are concerened your right. I used to use those but no more the co makes good stuff but those UTH pads I would never use myself again.

I personally like there heat emitters an UV bulbs... But the rest is just not up to par for my animals. While adhering the heat pades to the enclousure and a good idea(with proper air) it should not be on the pad itself. They are designed for the beginnger that really does not know any better and I feel that is wrong. Have you seen yheir new add in reptiles mag? They have the "proper" housing for a bearded dragon as an open cage, Well they forgot to mention buying the room heaters and thermostat to control them..lol
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www.mgreptiles.com
CBB Herps and Heating Supplies

I use their ceramic heat emitters and ceramic socket light holders to and like them. ESU is good also.I dont like their uth because mine were all over the place temp wise.
Two of them cracked the tank bottoms. I replaced them all. I use their rheo temp controler to and like that.
I get reptile mag just got the ball python issue but didnt get a chance to read it yet going to this week will look for their ad.

like me who have not been blessed with that part of your brain which can understand electricity. I am sure there are many out there that can solder it up and seal it like a pro but since I was putting it inside my cage I wanted extra piece of mind.

DMAC, what are the dimensions of your cage? Do you have the ultratherms end to end or side by side?

side by side on the left side of the cage, basically making a 2'X29" hot spot of the left side. Temps are 95 on that side to around low 80's at the cool end.

Do you have any pics of them in your cage and of your entire cage?

I got a hole saw bit and drilled two holes for the cords.

I used spar urethane, but I would not recommend it-three months to off-gas. Polycrylic or regular urethane is best.

It's GREAT for the outside of the cage. Very easy to work with, and no sanding required. Tough, good looking finish.

nice cage, what are the temps like (hot side- cool side)?

depending on where you place the temp gauge, and around 80-82 on the coolest part of the cool side. Xena spends a lot of time right in the middle.