Aluminum foil under substrate?

[JPost]

Would it be possible to increase the ambient temperature of the tub if I placed aluminum foil underneath my newspaper bedding -- gaining heat from the UTH? Just a thought from being frustrated at the temp and was wondering if it was even worth a damn or safe?

[JLC]

I have NO idea what effect that would have. I can't think of a reason why it would be dangerous, though.


How many layers of newspaper do you have down? I found that having more than two sheets of paper made it difficult to maintain proper temps on top of the paper without the pad underneath having to get too hot. But just two sheets works well.

[JPost]

I have NO idea what effect that would have. I can't think of a reason why it would be dangerous, though.


How many layers of newspaper do you have down? I found that having more than two sheets of paper made it difficult to maintain proper temps on top of the paper without the pad underneath having to get too hot. But just two sheets works well.

Well, the damn aluminum didn't work at all. I think it actually dropped my temps instead of raising them. I'm using just 2 layers of paper and can't get it above 75.

[TekWarren]

I've never heard of using foil in with a reptile. I guess there be a possibility of using it to "reflect" heat. But wouldn't you want it under your heat element to force more of it into the enclosure? I don't know if that would even work either.

[kavmon]

putting the aluminum foil inside the tub under the bedding will reflect the heat back down, imo. try putting the foil under the heat source, this should reflect the heat up towards the tub.



vaughn

[JLC]

Well, the damn aluminum didn't work at all. I think it actually dropped my temps instead of raising them. I'm using just 2 layers of paper and can't get it above 75.

It sounds like there is something amiss with your setup. Is the UTH actually attached to the bottom of the enclosure? Or is there air space between the UTH and the bottom?

Also...what kind of UTH is it? How old? Has it worked in the past or is this your first time using it?

[tigerlily]

Maybe try putting it around the top and sides to help insulate the cage a bit ... instead of on the floor.

[Dougie]

Maybe try putting it around the top and sides to help insulate the cage a bit ... instead of on the floor.

That is what I was thinking. Think about baking a potato and wrapping it in aluminum foil, it has to "bounce off" the foil, the foil doesn't absorb and spread the heat.