UTH heater VS. Heat tape

[AlexPan]

Hey every one. I am currently using night heating light bulbs, but would like to use something als. Was just wandering what is best to use for my California King snakes. UTH Under Tank Heater, or Heat Tape? Why or why not? Thanks.

[Pontus]

depends witch one is more economical in my opinion there both good

[Jeff_Favelle]

Both have the same effect. I don't understand the question?


Whatever works for your situation most economically is the best choice. But only YOU can decide that.

[AlexPan]

Thanks guys.

Jeff_Favell, i would prefer heat tape just because its much cheaper but, which one of those do you think is more efficient?
Thanks.

[Jeff_Favelle]

Well there are heat pads MADE from heat tape, so that's a hard question to answer! But if its for one cage, I hardly see the sense in wiring up 1 foot of heat tape, just to heat a single cage. I'd go get a heat pad and put it on a dimmer or better yet, a thermostat.

More than 4 or so cages, I'd use 11-inch heat tape down the back of a rack system. Sooo damn efficient it isn't even funny. Seriously.

Best of luck! :D

[AlexPan]

Kool thanks Jeff :) !
I'm using it for 3 cages.

[AlexPan]

i meant to say, i'd like to use it for 3 of my snake's cages (sorry about that).

[Jeff_Favelle]

Do it up man!! And then post pics!! :D

[AlexPan]

I will Jeff_Favelle.

[AlexPan]

Although one more question, my snakes are in glass tanks, so do i poot it on inside or outside? Thanks.

[Jeff_Favelle]

Heat tape ALWAYS goes on the outside.

And don't get me started on glass tanks. LOL! ;)

[AlexPan]

Jeff, why are glass tanks really bad? I got hide boxes wich i made for each of my snakes.

[Jeff_Favelle]

They turn snakes into long pieces of beef jerky.

[Yness]

Does snake even qualify as "beef"...ugh i don't even wanna know the answer to that...

[Jeff Hathaway]

Hey Jeff,

Not that I'm a strong advocate of glass tanks, but I do use about 30 right now (not counting aquatic stuff) and I'm wondering how they inherently turn live animals into jerky?

Cheers,

Jeff Hathaway
Sciensational Sssnakes!!

[Classic]

Alex: If you really want to use heat tape...you should consider building a version of Jim's rack system at Capital Colubrids. Follow the link
http://members.rogers.com/jwsporty/rack.html

I think heat tape for your current situation is not a good choice unless you intend to stack the aquariums or place them in a straight line on a flat surface. Heat tape may be cheaper but you have to take into account the hooking up materials. Heat tape is also not approved by the CSA. Not to say that i don't use it myself because i use lots of it including heat rope and they all do a great job. I think your best bet for just a few aquariums is heat pads.
Good Luck

Brian
HighWaterHerps

[AlexPan]

Thanks every one for your great tips! I i'm gona make a Rack cause i'm getting 4 more snakes in the near future.

Jeff_Favelle, why and how would the glass tanks turn the snakes into long pieces of beef jerky lol?

[Lisa]

I have almost all my colubrids in glass aquariums (we have 2 king snakes in rubermaids) and they have no problems, humidity's not too high, lots of roaming room, perfect 1 piece sheds

[WRX]

I think it takes a lot of effort to get a glass tank to be suitable for a BRB, especially a neonate. I have mine in a 15 gal tank, with heat tape under 1/2. I have a hide box on each end, hot and cool. The hot side temp is 80-87, the cool side is 70-75. Humidity is 60-80% all around.

The yougsters spend 75% of there time in the cooler area.

My adult seems less fussy?


BT

[tHeGiNo]

They turn snakes into long pieces of beef jerky.

LMFAO! I can just picture you saying that, so I laughed fairly hard. From the context, I think Jeff is either suggesting that acquariums do not hold adequate moisture levels, for the most part, unless altered. If not, he may have thought you said why don't you put the heat tape inside the cage.

As far as which to use, I personally feel more secure using Exoterra heat pads. They are expensive, but they are great and CSA approved - unlike flexwatt. This is often impractical with several cages, unfortunately.

[tHeGiNo]

Long peices of beef jerky, LOL! Sorry, had to throw another laugh in.

[AlexPan]

Thanks every one for your replys :) .

I started making a rack, and got another question for you guys..,
how far away should i poot the Heat Tape from the Robber Maid, just so it does not melt anything, but at the same time gives enaph heat to the snakes? Thanks.