Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was cleaning my ball python cage today, and realized that one of the snakes has gotten under the carpeting and (i suspect) urinated on the flexwatt. it is now melted and sparks. ive removed the problem flexwatt, but would like help or any ideas about the best way to cover flexwatt so as to avoid this in the future? what can i use to safely cover the flexwatt that will keep the snakes away from direct contact yet not burn and still let heat through?
atached is a pic of the cage.. the bottom is where the snakes are housed. (3 snakes one in each section) the middle section is where the problem has occure. ive now taken out the flexwatt from that part. also the pic doesnt show the cage as it is now (pic was taken during construction). each of the three bottom caged areas houses one baby ball. the flewatt is layed down on the wood floor and then coverd with newspaper and then some green carpeting stuff i got from home depot. the snake in the middle section burrowed underneath and this i suspecvt is the cause of the problem

how can i safely cover the flexwatt , keep my snake for getting in direct contact with it, yet still allow its heat to reach the snake?
i think ill get some of that foil tape but i doubt that on its one will last , at least forever.

any ideas or help are greatly appreciated. thanks.

Flexwatt tape is made to be used on the outside of the cage. I would find a way to do that or this will be a recurring problem.
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The Voices have won!

jeff pfeifer

Since you have a wood floor this should be easy to resolve, although I can't say for sure without knowing the exact construction technique.

My first choice would be to scrap the use of flexwatt and switch to a Radiant Heat Panel from ProProducts, Enerjoy, or Helix (with my preference being in that order). But if you really want to stick with flexwatt...

1) Cut a rectangle out of the floor that is 2" longer and wider than the size of the flexwatt piece you will be using. Make sure to not cut this hole too close to and side of the cage as to not affect the structural integrity of the cage or get to close to any screws or other fasteners that may have been used.

2) Route a groove under on the bottom so the cord can run out the back or side of the cage without being crushed.

3) Laminate a piece of expanded PVC or fiberglass reinforced panel over the entire cage floor. Seal edges with 100% silicone caulk.

4) Use a appropriately rated foil tape to attach the flexwatt to the underside of the plastic floor.

This works very well and improves the cage in many ways. First, it makes for a floor that is not only durable and easy to clean, but also very easy to replace if necessary. It also increases the thermal mass in the cage which makes flexwatt more efficient and safe. The safety is further increased by the effective air space created by the cutout in the wooden floor.