Under Tank heating...

leeshis0019 · 04-06-15, 10:09 PM

Alright,

So I'm curious if anyone can point me in the right direction on UTH's?

I've been reading and the suggestion is to get under tank heating and connect a thermostat so that I can control the temperature myself.

Does anyone have any suggestions on these? Looking around it's kind of all over the place. Some places suggest heat-tape with a thermostat while others see no issue with regular $20 heat pads.

The tank is 20 gallons and I'll have aspen/cypress substrate with an overhead light (not for heating). My only issue is the darn heating.

Obsidian_Dragon · 04-07-15, 12:24 PM

Heat tape is great, or so I'm told, but plenty of us use the heat mats with no problem. All of mine, tub and glass enclosure alike, have those.

With a thermostat, of course.

eminart · 04-07-15, 01:52 PM

Heat mat if you're just doing one enclosure. Heat tape if you're doing a whole rack. They both do the same thing.

Albert Clark · 04-07-15, 02:02 PM

Heat mats work well when regulated with a thermostat and a "versa top" cover. Heat tape I have only recently started using. Good luck.

**millertime89** · 04-07-15, 03:48 PM

Heat tape works just fine for even one lone enclosure. I buy all of my stuff from RBI. the size of the enclosure will determine the amount you'll need. I like to have 25-33% of the floor covered with a t-stat to regulate.

leeshis0019 · 04-07-15, 05:06 PM

Will a normal heat mat (Fluker's or the like) and a thermostat work fine? I have a Herpstat 1--as I understand it you just plug your heating element into the thermostat and it does its thing.

**Pareeeee** · 04-07-15, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leeshis0019

Will a normal heat mat (Fluker's or the like) and a thermostat work fine? I have a Herpstat 1--as I understand it you just plug your heating element into the thermostat and it does its thing.

I have two Fluker's heat mats on thermostats and they work fine.

sharthun · 04-08-15, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by millertime89

Heat tape works just fine for even one lone enclosure. I buy all of my stuff from RBI. the size of the enclosure will determine the amount you'll need. I like to have 25-33% of the floor covered with a t-stat to regulate.

I agree. Rbi has awesome products!

toddnbecka · 04-08-15, 12:15 AM

I'm using Ultratherm heat pads w/out t-stats under several aquariums. They're available in different sizes and the watts determine the max temp. Mine only go up to 85, as confirmed with a laser temp gun, so no worries about cooking the critters. Hides on both ends of each, with 2 on the warm ends. One sits atop the other, so the snakes have the option of direct contact with the warm substrate or a ceramic cave warmed by the rising heat from below. My DRMB's use both options, the everglades rat snake usually prefers the cooler hide unless she's digesting a recent meal.

leeshis0019 · 04-09-15, 06:23 PM

So got the Herpstat and set it up. It's working perfectly.

I think I'll be getting heat-tape for the new wooden enclosure though. It's curing for a week at the moment so I'll have a little bit of time...

**millertime89** · 04-10-15, 02:18 AM

For wood, unless you're using really thin wood, I would recommend a CHE or RHP. Heat tape generally doesn't give off enough heat to get through wood.

leeshis0019 · 04-10-15, 11:10 AM

The heating element would be inside the cage with the thermostat connected to it. I was going to put ceramic tiles on top with a thin layer of substrate on top of that as well. The tiles hold heat very well and I can keep it around 85 degrees with the thermostat.

Albert Clark · 04-13-15, 07:39 PM

That's a good idea leeshis0019. Just be careful on how you secure the tiles to the heat tape! Also be careful on where you place the thermostat probe. Good luck and good call.