Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i will soon be building a set up cages out of wood for my herps, my question is whats the best way to heat them?? i had an idea and please tell me if it'll work

using flexwat and planing out a small recess in the bottom of the cage so the heat tape can fit, line the bottom with alumnium foil to avoid the risk of overheating, then place a sheet of ventilated plexiclass over the heat tape and screw it in place, would this be feasable for belly heat?? and advice is appreciatd

also if i polyurethane (sp?) the wood to keep moisture in do i have to worry about heat tape catching it on fire? i know that stains are usually quite flamable

thanks in advance for any help!

James

My opinion: That is an aweful lot of trouble to go through when 1) the acrylic cover will probably warp or crack and 2) substrate and urates will find their way under the cover.

Depending on the animals you are keeping, heat bulbs or ceramic heat emitters work very well in wood cages (use a temp controller and a protective wire cover over any ceramic emitters!).

You can also get heat pads that are reasonably sealed that can go inside the cage. See www.beanfarm.com.