how to heat a rubbermaid?

Reticsrule · 06-29-05, 10:36 PM

im possibly getting a baby female BCI on july 10. i plan on putting her in a rubbermaid for a while until she outgrows it. the problem is im not exactly sure how to heat it. if i can i would like to use an UTH but what kind should i use?
sorry for the stupid question but ive never used rubbermaids to keep snakes before.

adam2373 · 06-29-05, 10:41 PM

flexwatt will do nicely, just make sure to use a rheostat to regulate the temp.

Reticsrule · 06-29-05, 10:49 PM

thanks for the quick reply. can you get heat tape at a hardware store? (i dont really want to have it shipped if i dont have to) and where do you get a rheostat? and could i use one of those reptile heating pads? (like "Heat Wave") sorry for more stupid questions.

sharno · 06-30-05, 12:07 AM

to tell you the truth the fastest and easiest way would be get a human heating pad with the changeable temps like high medium low or warm and find one without the auto shutoff and just put it under one side. i keep mine on low and its pretty good. now im not a pro but this is what i have learned from others here in the past. Justin

Reticsrule · 06-30-05, 08:06 PM

i was going to use a human heating pad at first but then someone said that they arent made to be on constantly so i backed off on the idea. if they are a good method, i will DEFINETLY use one. can anyone tell me if they are a good or bad idea?

steelnink · 06-30-05, 08:28 PM

I have used rubbermaids with human heating pads for hatchlings/yearlings for quite some time now, and i haven't had any problems.Just make sure the type you buy has a failsafe/shutoff.

Reticsrule · 06-30-05, 09:14 PM

ill be sure to buy one with the low med high settings but what is a failsafe/shutoff?

Serpens · 06-30-05, 10:39 PM

I haven't used one myself, but have heard others talk about them. I think it works the same way as a thermostat, and kills the power if the pad overheats, but I'd double check with someone who has experience. Good luck with your Col Red Tail though. They're awesome snakes.

Serpens

Reticsrule · 06-30-05, 11:50 PM

thanks for all the help guys. ill look into the idea a little bit more but it seems like it will work good for me. if anyone else has any suggestions or opinions, post away.

sharno · 07-01-05, 01:19 AM

well i have had mine for a few months for a blood python and its pretty good. the only thing is you gotta keep an eye on it cuz after a while it will eventually shut off so you just gotta unplug and plug and it will be back up. usually theres a light on it so you just gotta glance at the light and see if its on. but its gotta be much easier to get and setup then the flexwatt

Justcage · 07-07-05, 06:17 PM

Got a sore back? Buy a human heating pad... Have a reptile to take care of? Then buy the proper elements and control's fot it...