Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just built new enclosures for my corns out of 3/4 in plywood. I've been trying to decide how to heat them. I'd like to go with Flexwatt, but want to make sure I use it correctly.

I won't use it underneath, as these cages stack and I would probably burn my house down if I stuck Flexwatt between two pieces of plywood. I was thinking of using it inside the enclosure, but I know that's not always recommended.

If I use it inside, would it be better to do a wall mount than mount it on the floor? Would that provide enough heat for a gradient? Even if I mounted it on the floor, under the aspen substrate, I'm worried the Flexwatt wouldn't be able to breath. Or that it would get moisture on it (not that the humidity is high in the cage, but rather in their hide boxes). Has anyone used it on the wall or floor of a cage with any success?

Any help/advice/tips would be greatly appreciated!

You fears of fire from heat are probably unsustantiated, but what I would worry about is electrical shock or fire from electrical arc. You would need to make sure the connections are snake-proof.

People do it, but I think it is not a great thing to do - talking about Flexwatt inside a cage with an active snake. Not because of fire from heat (do you know how hot it needs to be to catch fire? Way hotter than you think. Plus you use a thermostat.) But electrical spark, etc - why risk that?

IMO, you have some options that are better.

1. Ceramic heat emitter or infrared spot lamp. Mount on cage ceiling. You will need a bulb guard for sure. Efficient, works great.

2. Look on the internet (like amazon) for dog and cat heat pads. These are sealed heat pads that can go inside the cage. I purchased 2 from amazon after searching. These can take pets stomping on them and can handle getting peed on (not submersed however.) One type is like a mini Kane heat mat. If a rabbit, dog or cat can step all over these, then your snake is safe. Mine have a grounded cord.
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Mark

Yes, I agree that using flexwatt inside an enclosure is risky business. Due to the shock factor, and due to the fact it will probably get wet at some point.

Use a zoo med reptile pad and punch a hole in the back wall to run your cord out. Or as pointed out use a ceramic or other heat emitter. Just make sure you have a guard in place to protect the snake from burning itself on the heat emitter and make sure you use some type of thermostat.

Best of Luck!