human heating pad for ball python?

[wspeer]

i am in the process of making a new cage for my ball python the measurments will be 40L 20w 15h it will have a glass front thinking like 36x17 for viewing but everything else will be wood, i will have a hinged top to get into the tank, i decided to make the top hinged for easy access and cleaning. my question is "can i use a human heat pad inside my cage because a uth will obviously not work cause the bottom will be wood, im open to any ideas, i finally got my 20L correct and now i have to make all these new problems for myself, it will be worth it in the end though, my boy will have much more room to roam.

[wspeer]

36x12 is what my glass will be not 17 my bad guys

[tmlowe5704]

Do not put any heat elements inside of the tank, especially a human heating pad. They are not meant to be run 24/7. What makes you think your UTH will not work through wood? What size wood are you using and what material? I had 1/2" MDF with an exo terra UTH and temps could get to 100* unregulated. I also had a larger exo terra on 3/4" MDF get to around 95*. Get a good UTH and you will make things easier on yourself.

[wspeer]

i will be using 3/4 inch thick wood i just figured it wouldnt heat through the wood, i also have an old waterbed heater i could put underneath if you think that would work? what is a good brand of UTH to buy?

[tmlowe5704]

I loved the exo terras that I have used and they are real thin but I am real partial to flexwatt now. It is dirt cheap and thin as can be.

[wspeer]

any opinions about the waterbed heater? it has a thermostat and would be free since i already own it.

[tmlowe5704]

Anything not made for a reptile enclosure, probably would not work as you may expect. If you care for your herp's safety, spend a few dollars and get a real UTH and at least a dimmer.

[wspeer]

if you think i can generate enough heat through 3/4 inch wood i would have no problems spending the cash i just dont want to spend 30 bucks and have it not get warm enough for the snake through the wood

[tmlowe5704]

if you think i can generate enough heat through 3/4 inch wood i would have no problems spending the cash i just dont want to spend 30 bucks and have it not get warm enough for the snake through the wood

What are the temps like in your room? Like I said, unregulated mine would get to 95* with 3/4" wood. Flexwatt is only like $3.50 for foot for 11" wide heat tape BTW.

[wspeer]

where can i find flexwatt at? is heat tape the same as an under tank heater