Exo-Terra Heat Mat w/Rubbermaid

[jathoma]

Ok....serious question that I need an answer to ASAP:

Recently, I switched Cain over to Rubbermaid (the large 36" long one discussed in other posts). At the time, I didn't have the money to buy another heat pad, so I was using the one I had for the 10gal tank he was in. I realized this was small, but also had a heat lamp to try to keep the temps ok while I saved the money for a larger pad.

At any rate, I bought an Exo-Terra 11x17 heat mat and a rheostat, because I was told by a nice gentleman an bigapple-herps that this would be a good size (not quite 50% of his enclosure).

Here's my issue - it says on the box and in the instructions "Glass Only". Well, of course, my rubbermaid, being plastic, doesn't fall in this category so I've held back on putting this new mat on his cage. Right now, I do have a larger 11x11 T-Rex mat (which seems to be the same material, but suggests you can use it on plastic), but it doesn't seem to be warming it enough.

Has anyone had any issues with putting an Exo-Terra on a Rubbermaid, and if so, will the rheostat I bought help?

Please help, as my outisde temps are dropping into the 30's every night and I want to make sure his indoor temps are warm enough.

Oh, and here's a terrible picture of Cain

[mykee]

You should be able to use any heat pad or mat with a rubbermaid, ASSUMING you have it hooked up to a rheostat. The temps that you would need to provide a snake with it's requirements would be nowhere near hot enough to melt plastic. Also, I think that covering 50% of the snakes floor space with heat might be a bit much. 25-33% should be covered with a heat source, that way, the snake can properly thermoregulate.

[jathoma]

Well, it's a 36" container and the mat is 11x17...

is this still too much?

[mykee]

I think so, but don't take my word for it, wait until you hear other peoples' opinions.

[Invictus]

Exoterra heat mats get REALLY hot, but with a rheostat or lamp dimmer, they're just fine.

[sapphire_moon]

it should have come with little "legs" little plastic square things that you put on each cornor (outside). You put the heating pad underneath the cage and the cage is raised. I've had no problems with mine, and it keeps it at a good 88-95 degrees.

[Ron]

I would probably stick the pad to Aluminum foil so you don't actually have to stick it directly to the rubbermaid and turn it side ways so it covers ~1/3 of the tub. I would stick it on with foil tape and use the feet that come with it or elevate the tub over the mat just to allow some airflow and be sure to use the rheostat.

[sapphire_moon]

You don't have to take the little cover off the sticky part! Leave it on so you can use it again!