Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I am setting up a 30 long for a musk turtle juvenile about 1" long. Everything I read says to be wary of submersible heaters because they can burn the turtle. Has anyone tried this Hydrokable thing, or is it a viable alternative to the aquarium heater? It is a wire that goes under the substrate in u-shapes, with a thermostat that is outside the tank. Here is the info on it:

* Help distribute heat more evenly in your aquarium
* Minimizes heat pockets, to reduce fish stress
* Installs easily under your gravel substrate
* Great for planted aquariums

Hydrokable delivers heat upward from the bottom of your aquarium, for even distribution. Install the double-insulated silicone cable in a repeated S-pattern along the bottom of your aquarium before adding substrate. Includes suction-cup clips. Control your Hydrokable with the external Hydroset electronic thermostat. Set temperature easily with the ergonomic adjustment knob. Its independent probe works in water or air, displaying reliable LCD readouts in both °F and °C. Flame symbol indicates when heating. Or, choose the economical Hydroset Electronic Thermostat model with manual temperature dial and no LCD readout. Hydroset may be used in combination with any heater.

Thanks!
Link

I personally wouldn't bother putting any kind of heater with a cable into any turtle tank. I always found if there is a cable, any kind of cable, the monsters will try chewing it. Not worth taking the chance. I'd get an undertank heater, or even better, the same company that produces that hydrokable also produces a much better inline heater that just connects to the hose of an external cannister filter.