Getting Started

[MedusasOwl]

We're in the process now of setting up a plastic habitat for our baby to be. Most of it I think I have together plan wise, except I'm a little confused about the UTH. Cobra heat mats say on the description "Designed to be used in or out of terrariums" Um... Is it really safe to try using a cobra UTH inside an enclosure? I wouldn't imagine so, but I just wanted to check on that.

Which UTH do you guys most recommend for plastic? I know everyone talks up flexwatt tape, but I'd rather go with something more familiar at the moment just for my sanity's sake with all the excitement going on.

Going tub hunting on Sat during usual erranding time and got pretty much everything else we don't already have off MG's site just now, including a thermostat. Who could pass up those holiday deals??

Otherwise we'll probably very soon be all set except for the snake himself... which Jo has very possibly hooked us up with *crosses fingers* it all just seems too perfect! We're very excited. This forum is too much, talk about a huge help. Thanks guys!

~Sheree

[ddbjdealer]

Which UTH do you guys most recommend for plastic? I know everyone talks up flexwatt tape, but I'd rather go with something more familiar at the moment just for my sanity's sake with all the excitement going on.

Not only is flexwatt very cheap, but very "familiar" in the herping field. You can get some pre-wired from Matt that will just plug right into that nifty thermostat you bought from Matt too. It really is, in my opinion, the best and safest way to go.

Good luck making your decision!

[Bev]

well there is such a thing as a mat stat for heatmats, they should be fine under plastic. i do think its generally accepted that any uth goes under the cage and not inside it, with wooden enclosures you can put a mat inside as long as it is statted and monitored carefully, but if you dont need to then dont bother lol, with glass and plastic the mats work just as well underneath so theres no need to put them in with the snakes, its just safer.

[buckdawg]

You might want to reconsider your stance on flexwatt. I understand being in your comfort zone but flexwatt is cheap, easy and safe. Awesome product.

[MedusasOwl]

Well, the main reason I hesitate on the flexwatt is that I don't understand it. Every time I try to read up on it, it's like Esperanto to me. I'm not especially electronically inclined beyond rebooting the computer and I just can't seem to wrap my mind around what exactly I do with it or what to expect. I have this horrible paranoid fantasy of not knowing what I'm doing and setting the building on fire.

UTH is just kind of more in my comfort zone, and I figure when we upgrade Gomez's home I'll have more time to figure it out and fuss around with something new and alien like flexwatt. Does that make sense? Or am I just nuts?

[ladywhipple02]

If you get flexwatt pre-wired, it's the exact same thing as any other UTH. You're going to need a thermostat or a dimmer, no matter what UTH you choose, too.

Check out mgreptiles.com. He sells pre-wired flexwatt, as well as Exo-terra UTHs, and dimmers and thermostats. Everything you need in one site.

[buckdawg]

If you get flexwatt pre-wired, it's the exact same thing as any other UTH. You're going to need a thermostat or a dimmer, no matter what UTH you choose, too.

Check out mgreptiles.com. He sells pre-wired flexwatt, as well as Exo-terra UTHs, and dimmers and thermostats. Everything you need in one site.

Plus if you email Matt, he will answer any question you may have. He was very patient with my stupid noobish questions.

I ordered from Matt exactly what ladywhipple is describing. A pre-wired piece of 11" flexwatt one foot long. All I had to do was plug it into my thermostat. It really is that simple

Trust me, if I can do it anyone can! Plus if you have any questions, ask them here and someone can help.

[MedusasOwl]

Hmm, okay. What really scared me off it was this line from the caresheet;

"Use of this technology requires you have a comfortable enough working knowledge of wiring and electricity to get it set up safely and a thermostat is critical in regulating temperatures properly."

So I fled in fear, lol. Dang, now I wish I had ordered the stuff all at once! I just ordered the other stuff I needed. But if it's the same as any other UTH and I'm not going to electricute myself and our snake, then okay.. I want to use the best thing in the best way, so I'm just being extra careful. Lemme re-look at the site there.

[daniel1983]

That comment is directed at people that like to wire things themselves. I actually know how to wire stuff proper but still pay to get it wired for me.....these guys do this for a living and they are the EXPERTS. Alot of people on this site have delt with Matt (justcage) and he is always willing to help....send him an email explaining your setup and worries and he will let you know what you need

[MedusasOwl]

Okies, cool. /(^v^)\ Especially as we now officially have a BP, and the sooner the enclosure is together the sooner he can be shipped to us!

*squees in delight!* Thanks so much, Jo! We've fallen in love with him already! Our little Gomez is the fella at the top of the page, BP1.

I'll get on pestering somebody about flexwatt just as soon as I get some sleep... I stayed up to get my cat to the vet only to find that her early morning appointment isn't till *next* friday. So I sleep now.