Bioactive viv heating question

[Kay-T-H]

I'm making a bioactive viv with a drainage layer and foamed background. I'm using an UTH to heat it and plan to heat it from the side. Will the heat transfer from the outside of the tank transfer through the foam or will I have to use a space that is just glass

[Forgotten]

The uth heat won't do much through a 4" + deep floor and heat tape / heat pads won't warm ambient temps through the sides. Only the glass touching the heating element will be warm.

I suggest a RHP. Simplest and best option for heating a bio active tank

[Regius_049]

I'm using an UTH to heat it and plan to heat it from the side. Will the heat transfer from the outside of the tank transfer through the foam or will I have to use a space that is just glass

Based on your question, can I presume you are planning to foam the background and the sides of the tank? If so, you will indeed have trouble heating through it. Foam is a great insulator, which can keep warm air in, but also keep heat out. If you have a bare sidewall, be it glass or plastic, you can indeed heat a small portion of the cage (i.e. create a hot spot) using a UTH on the side. You are unlikely to be able to heat the entire cage though.

As the above poster notes, many people use RHPs because they are easier to integrate into most setups.

[Bioactive]

I'm making a bioactive viv with a drainage layer and foamed background. I'm using an UTH to heat it and plan to heat it from the side. Will the heat transfer from the outside of the tank transfer through the foam or will I have to use a space that is just glass

I placed my UTH heaters under the most thin location of the substrate, which is under the hides on the hot side, with a slighty smaller UTH on the cooler side. The only places where the substrate is 4+ inches thick is where the plants are planted. I suggest using loose substrate without a drainage layer for burrowing and humidity holding, and yes the heat transfers quite well through this substrate.