Cost effective heating???

[lordkovacs]

Is there a more cost effective way to heat a 30gallon tall glass tank other then under tank heater and red light bulb? Thanks so much...
CHEERS,
Mike

[Edwin]

I use a ceramic heat emitter (CHE) they last much longer than light bulbs (5 years versus 3-6 months). Also, you could buy human heat pads, which are cheaper than herp specific pads and work just as well.

If you are thinking of lowering your electric bill, you could try the following:

1)Get an analog thermostat. It will shut off power to your heat sources when the desired temps are reached. Not to be used with light emitting sources.

2) Use timers for lights etc.

3) You could also change your heat source to radiant heat panels. They use very little electricity and are excellent for all herps. Heat tape is another cheap source of heat as well, but you need to be careful installing it as it is a potential fire hazard.

4) If you have multiple tanks, see if you can group them closer together and share heat/light sources. If you have a herp room, then you could use a space heater to keep the room at a constant 78-80 degrees, depending on the type of herps you keep.

That is all I can think of right now, I am sure that other members will have more suggestions. If you tell us what type of herps you keep, it would be easier to answer your questions. Hope this helps.

[Xetox]

I have found that glass aquiriams are much harder to heat than wood or sweat takes with heat tape....I have a 30 gal with my first ever corn that I got! and I still have problems keeping it at 80-85 degrees and I am using a undertank plus heat lap hooked to timer....

If someone has a better way I would love to hear about iT

[stormyva]

Glass aquariums can be more difficult to heat than comparably sized wood or plastic cages.
With the glass ones insulating the sides and covering the screen top with a towel or plexiglass will help in holding the heat.