terrarium set up q's

[Lankyrob]

Ok - just had a good look and the heat mat has no adhesive side. Also Mykee - what about the "probe" outside the "tub" on the heatmat or inside under the substrate?

Am due a visit to our reptile shop tomorrow anyway for some more food, so will have a chat with them about it too.

If anyone else uses heat mats what do you use to lift them off the surface??

[kaorte]

You can attach the UTH to the tub with aluminum tape (or foil tape). Are you using a UTH? I am pretty certain that almost all commercial UTHs have an adhesive side.

The thermoSTAT probe goes outside the enclosure directly on the heating element. The thermoMETER probe goes inside the enclosure right over the UTH under the substrate.

[mykee]

I would recommend against using foil tape as it is conductive and could cause electrical issues.
Rob, in my setup:
http://www.strictlyballs.ca/snakerack.htmI
I attach the probe directly to the heat tape. For one bin, I would not recommend taping the probe inside the bin, as it could come loose and cook your animal.
You also have the added worry about a short circuit if the probe gets wet, which would also affect the temperature read-out on your thermostat.

[kaorte]

I have never had any electrical problems when using foil tape and heat tape and I know many people who have been using it on rack setups for years with no electrical problems. As long as your connections are insulated properly there should be no risk of an electrical "issue".

Foil tape is great for adhering heat sources because it doesn't loose its adhesive when it gets warm like duct tape does. It is also very thin and very strong.

[Lankyrob]

Thanks for the advice - will chat with the guys at the reptile store in the morning and see where i go from there.