under tank heaters???

[ptbmaniac]

I tried posting this before,but somehow it ended up in the python forum...
I know another dumb question.....would it be ok to use a uth if I only use news paper or paper towel? Would it get too hot for a garter snake like that?

[MouseKilla]

The only way to know is to check the temps of the floor of the enclosure right above where the UTH is using a temp gun or a probe from a thermometer. If you do that you don't need to worry about what kind of substrate you're using, just adjust the heater till you get the temps right.

From the little I know about garters though they don't need too much heat, if you're keeping them in an aquarium (you didn't say that you are, I know) and you have any kind of overhead incandescent light then it's probably unnecessary to have a UTH at all. Either way you need to use a digital thermometer and get an accurate reading of the hotspot temps before you can know what to do. Be careful with the UTH because they can get really hot when not attached to a dimmer. Also I don't ever stick mine onto the enclosure, instead I raise the enclosure up an inch or two above the heater. This makes sure the heat doesn't get excessive and it spreads out more.

[ptbmaniac]

It would be a 20 gal long aquarium.I am thinking of just using news paper,paper towel,or possibly cage carpeting.Maybe a heat lamp would be better then.

[crazyboy]

i would use an UTH(under tnak heater). But if you use an UTH you will have to control, the temps with either a thermostat or dimmer switch. you can make your own dimmer or buy a lamp dimmer from a store. there are also dimmers in the pet store, i beleive zoo med makes them, but they are over priced. once i find a link for one ssold in pet stores i will post it just so you know what it is.

[MouseKilla]

Well generally UTHs are better in a few ways than heat lights but if you are already using an aquarium and already have some kind of lighting (other than flourescent) it may already be hot enough in there. I have a few corns in aquariums and I just use the lights that came with the tank for heat, but that's only because I happen to have this stuff kicking around the house. As I said, get a digital thermometer with a probe and you'll be able to know for sure how much extra heat you need, if any at all.

[ptbmaniac]

actually I dont have anything yet but I will get it this year sometime.I'm just trying to study up on things as much as I can.