Heat tape for dragons

ChristinaM · 02-12-04, 08:21 AM

Is there a problem with using the heattape for my dragons? I have a basking light of low wattage, but a perch close to it if they want overhead heat. The heattape gets to 105F. It's coverred with slate.

My dragons like it

My hydro bill will like it

As long as it is good for them though.

tHeGiNo · 02-12-04, 05:33 PM

Bearded dragons are build to bask in the sun, so I do not know how ideal that situation would be. Personally, I wouldn't do it.

Big Mike · 02-12-04, 06:37 PM

That's what I've heard too.

I heat pad might be helpful to keep a nominal temp during the night but they really do need to absorb heat from above.

If your basking spot is inadequate, get a higher wattage bulb.

Bighead · 02-12-04, 07:04 PM

When I first got my beardies they just had a UTH and flourescent lights. They were eating fine and acting semi normal but it just didn't seem right watching them lay flat on the ground over the heat pad during the day. When I added a good basking light they really seemed to appreciate it and spent their time basking under it like normal dragons do. In other words, they had both options and always chose the basking light. I only had it this way for a couple weeks, so I'm not sure if it would be harmful to have it like that long term, but the heat tape and UTHs seem to be best suited for raising ambient temps and nighttime heat.

K1LOS · 02-13-04, 03:17 PM

I currently have a basking bulb and a uth. Both areas are at about 120 degrees. Both areas are used interchangeably. My dragons eat lots of veggies and crix every day. They shed normally, and are fairly active all day long. From the way i see it, they are healthy and happy now, and i use both. Your choice though

Geoff