Tub heating

I have a quick question I started using tubs to save space, I put a sticky heat mat on the bottom of the tub but it isn't wanting to stay on. Aside from using tape to tape it on is there anything I could do? I know you need to have a gap for air but could I maybe put something under it to keep it on? Or does anyone have a better way of using the heat mat? It's the thin sticky Exo terra one.


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It doesn't need to stick on. I just lay them down and set the tubs on top and adjust my thermostat to where it needs to be to hit the temp I need. I've seen people talk about using foam and all that stuff but I don't see a need. The way I described works for me so I do it that way.

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Originally Posted by cletus

It doesn't need to stick on. I just lay them down and set the tubs on top and adjust my thermostat to where it needs to be to hit the temp I need. I've seen people talk about using foam and all that stuff but I don't see a need. The way I described works for me so I do it that way.

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What side would I need against the tub?


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I would think the sticky side facing the tub should be fine since that's what would be facing it had it stuck on. I've never used a stick on one but it makes sense..Good luck!

I would just lay the heat mat in/on a 'shelf' where the tub will sit. This way you can pick it up and put it down in the right spot quickly. (Cletus beat me to it...)

I've seen people have them on shelves before but I was never sure which ones they used. I wasn't sure if you could do that with the sticky ones though.


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Careful to remember to vent the pads though, sandwiching them directly between two materials with no ventilation can lead to heat issues. I'd advise to try securing it into place with something heat-resistant like aluminum tape.

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Originally Posted by hollowlaughter

Careful to remember to vent the pads though, sandwiching them directly between two materials with no ventilation can lead to heat issues. I'd advise to try securing it into place with something heat-resistant like aluminum tape.

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Never had issues? I have my tubs directly on the UTHs and in a rack I have set up there will be no ventilation per-say for the heat meats and heat tape. I've always heard it was okay to place tubs directly on top of the UTH as long as it's regulated correctly. Especially since I like to thoroughly clean my tubs, I don't like having to rip off tape and then secure it again.
Sorry to steer away from the original posters.

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Originally Posted by PokeyTheNinja

Never had issues? I have my tubs directly on the UTHs and in a rack I have set up there will be no ventilation per-say for the heat meats and heat tape. I've always heard it was okay to place tubs directly on top of the UTH as long as it's regulated correctly. Especially since I like to thoroughly clean my tubs, I don't like having to rip off tape and then secure it again.
Sorry to steer away from the original posters.

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With heat tape it is, but heat tape and UTH are two different methods of offering heat. Heat encapsulation is a concern with the UTH. Which, annoying as it can be, can make or break an insurance claim should the UTH fail and cause a fire or burnt snakes. They include it in their booklet for most major brand UTH (ZooMed, etc). Ultratherm also mentions it on their materials (see bottom of page).

However, IIRC, having tubs constantly rubbing flush on heat tape can cause the laminate to wear through and the tape to fail.

Just something to consider with rack designs, or else plan for appropriate backups like smoke detectors. Another reason that the more-expensive proportional thermostats are all but necessary for racks, as is regular replacement of the heat tape every few years.