Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok, where i live right now it is winter but it doesn't get crazy cold down here but its hard to keep temps in the winter in my house. they don't go down too low. Anyway i was wondering if it is possible to use a heat pad in a melamine wood enclosure without burning it down?. Is there anything i could wrap the pad up in?. Any help would be appreaciated.

-Cody.

A heating pad is really not the best choice to use. It can malfunction and burn down the house. It has happened in the past unfortunately. Try scraping some cash together and get one or two radient heat panels. They are well worth the money and last virtually forever. I hope this helps.

Circusfan

I agree with "circusfan"; heat panels are well worth the investment and probably your best choice. Depending on how high your cage is, and, how cool your floor is or the surface the cage is resting on, you may need to install a heat mat. Look at the Kane Heat Mats; they are thick, plastic insulated "heat pads" that can be connected to a rheostat or thermostat. You can place these directly into the cage cage with the cord running out a hole that you'll need to drill. They come in all shapes, sizes and wattages. I used these with great success. Bean Farm, Big Apple Herp and others carry them. Hope this helps. Rob Carmichael, Curator of the Wildlife Discovery Center, IL

>>A heating pad is really not the best choice to use. It can malfunction and burn down the house. It has happened in the past unfortunately. Try scraping some cash together and get one or two radient heat panels. They are well worth the money and last virtually forever. I hope this helps.
>>
>>Circusfan
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

I also use RHP's from Pro Products. Very energy efficient. Another thing Bob from Pro Products said was to install the silver sided insulation about an inch from the bottom of the wood cage. It keeps heat from escaping from the floor. I also installed the bubble wrap insulation on the ceiling. I'm installing double pane viewing windows and since I have inner and outer walls, am going to fill the middle with Great Stuff expanding foam.
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DZ

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell