Confused on heat for a plastic under the bed tote

Hello, there!

I am trying to figure out the best way to heat a plastic tote. I have read and read (since I know the same questions asked over and over can get annoying! :)) but still can't find the answer!

I still have no idea the best and safest heat source to use for this type of an enclosure. I bought a Sterilite 50 qt under bed storage container and the 10-20 gallon Zoo Med under tank heater. I have read that human heating pads are great, but have also read they aren't. I have a thermometer to track my heat and humidity, but I don't even dare open the heater and try it wondering if I will burn the house down. I would like to get it figured out, up and running before our new snake comes home.

I am so sorry if this question has been answered a zillion times, I just can't find the answer to: what is the best and safest way to heat this type of a tote?

Thanks so much!

Human heating pads are for humans.....they shut off after an hour or two.
Reptile heat sources require a thermostat. A thermometer only tells you what the temperature is, a thermostat regulates it.

The UTH will get hot enough to warp the plastic (and burn the snake) if unregulated. But with a thermostat to keep it around 90, no melting or burning :D. A decent beginner model is a Hydrofarm/Jumpstart, about $30 from Amazon. If you want to get a high-end model, Herpstat is good but costs more.

Ok......that makes sense....by using a thermostat it keeps the heater from getting too hot.....so the heater I got will work since I have a thermostat!

Makes so much sense but I guess I just got overwhelmed when reading everything and didn't realize that the heat wouldn't get hot enough to melt the plastic!

I didn't think a human heating pad would work, but I have read a few things that suggested using one!

Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, I'm suuper scared about setting up my UTH this winter. It's really hot in my room, so temps stay at 79-82, but it's getting colder. Karma's tub stays under my bed too, it's hotter and darker..and with my mom 'out of sight, out of mind':rofl: I got the Hydrofoam thermostat, just waiting for it to get cold enough to use it.