Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I don't want to start a fire. Is it safe to place a heat pad under a tank and then place it on the dresser? I have a thermostat and the tank should be between 85-88. Also, whats better; a heating pad, or flexwatt?

Thanks.
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0.0.2 RES's (The Boondock Saints)
0.0.1 Common Snapping Turtle (Aggro)
0.0.1 Eastern Red Bellie (Jake)
0.0.1 Map Turtle (Mappy)
0.2.0 Bearded Dragon (Yeungling,Killian)

You don't want heat to build up under the tank, so you'll want to tape the heat pad to the bottom of the tank and then elevate the tank on your dresser. I think most heating pads marketed for reptiles come with 4 round rubber "feet" to stick to the bottom corners of a tank to raise it up a bit. I use to use pieces of cardboard to achieve this.

Most importantly, use either a thermostat or rheostat to make sure the pad doesn't get too hot. I've found that the cheap ESU ones work just fine (I think they're $17-$20).

Just whatever you do, don't use a heating pad for humans. I made that mistake ONCE and never again...

>>Just whatever you do, don't use a heating pad for humans. I made that mistake ONCE and never again...

Seeing as i am currently using a human heating pad ($8 from walmart, homedics i think insulated with a cloth cover), recommended about 11 months ago on the Corn forum I'd like to hear your story.

I keep the pad on lowest setting and check it monthly for any signs of wear so far no problems.

Thanks

Wayne

0.0.1 Normal Corn Snake
0.0.1 Normal Ball Python

I dont think that heating pads get quite hot enough to cause a fire. As for which one is better between heating pads and flexwatt, I am not exactly sure, I am sure Chris Harper or some other's might have better experience with that.'

Hope this helps.

chris

>>I don't want to start a fire. Is it safe to place a heat pad under a tank and then place it on the dresser? I have a thermostat and the tank should be between 85-88. Also, whats better; a heating pad, or flexwatt?
>>
>>Thanks.
>>-----
>>0.0.2 RES's (The Boondock Saints)
>>0.0.1 Common Snapping Turtle (Aggro)
>>0.0.1 Eastern Red Bellie (Jake)
>>0.0.1 Map Turtle (Mappy)
>>0.2.0 Bearded Dragon (Yeungling,Killian)

Hi
I was worried about that to. I placed the tank on a sheet of glass I got that at a glass place its a few inches longer than the tank and 2 inches wider.
I didnt want the heating pad directly over my wood furniture. I know some put like insulation fire proof stuff under the tank that can be bought at home depot,lowes,etc.
With the glass it still looks nice because you see the wood and I feel safer because the heating pad isnt directly over the furniture.