Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Has anyone used linoleum to line there cage floors? Would there be any health issues from using heat tape, controlled by a thermostat, underneath it? Heat tape should not get above 100-105 degrees. I know expanded foam pvc is best but I have been unable to locate it in my area so was thinking about substituting linoleum. Anyone tried this?

I have linoleum on the bottom of my wife's bearded dragon cage. However, I do not have a heat source underneath.

Regarding home use, some radiant floor heat companies say their product can be used under linoleum, others say it's a bad idea and should be avoided. Not sure what to tell you.

Linoleum can offgass for extended periods so make sure you let the cage sit with the heater on for a while.

All of my cages, from 2-footers to 16-feet are linoleum over OSB (or conventional plywood) with heat tape beneath the wood. (I use radiant heat panels, too.) Everything is temp-sensored and regulated by varying zones, including hydrometer-controlled humidity levels. The terrestrial enclosures are also linoleum-lined on the sides. Semi-arboreal enclosures are lined up the sides about 12-inches. The linoleum is glued with a water-based adhesive and the seams are beaded with a non-silicone, clear caulk. Every enclosure can hold water like an aquarium, meaning they are completely waterproof. As Chris said, these materials will need adequate time to ventilate. I kept good ventilation and moving air on these cages for about 2 to 3-weeks before I introduced any animals to them. I have been doing this for 30-years, although the materials and availability of less-toxic materials have improved greatly. The last serious building session I did was about 6-years ago and these enclosures are still withstanding gradient heats from 80 to 92-degrees, humidity levels between 65 and 80-degrees (depending on the cycles I'm in) and the constant exsposure to urates and the mild bleach solutions (and rinse water) used to clean their surfaces. I only use newspaper substrate. My snakes are healthy, have experienced no burns, rots or respiratory distresses and I suspect it has been a combination of the enclosure materials, my husbandry (labor of love) and plain ol' good luck.

Keep in mind there are a lot of folks on the internet with lots of diverse experiences. If you choose to follow the successes of some one, be sure you understand as much as you can about their successes, and not just pieces of it. It's often the entire package of right factors that produces a quality enclosure, not just bits and pieces of conflicting information that you meld into a disasterous environment for your pet.

Bingo!!

Keep in mind there are a lot of folks on the internet with lots of diverse experiences. If you choose to follow the successes of some one, be sure you understand as much as you can about their successes, and not just pieces of it. It's often the entire package of right factors that produces a quality enclosure, not just bits and pieces of conflicting information that you meld into a disasterous environment for your pet.