heating a plastic

When you use a plastic cage (like one of the 'Kritter Keeper' things), how on earth do you heat one of those things? I would think that if you used an UTH, it would melt the plastic. Do you really use an UTH or do you just heat the room or use some other method? Thanks!

If the UTH got hot enough to melt the plastic, it would be hot enough to burn your snake as well. And whether or not it would actually melt plastic, it WILL get hot enough to burn your snake....so always have your UTH (whether using a store brand or Flexwatt) hooked up to a T-stat...or at the very least, a rheostat (dimmer switch.)


If you keep it at the proper temps, you should never have to worry about plastic.

If you have UTH devices you have it set way to HOT! That or the plastic is very contaminated or thin. The recommended temps for UTH devices should not cause such dissasters...but it can which is why you need controllers to regulate the heat/voltage.

I'd use a thermostat MOST DEFINETELY. I'm thinking about doing this for an Amazon Tree Boa, so it's got to be real close to perfect. Does flexwatt actually stick to the bottom of the tank like a traditional UTH, or does it have spacing between it and the bottom of the cage? (probably doesn't matter, but just wondering)

you might want to think about doing back heat or heating one side wall instead. for arboreal snakes belly heat may not be the best. imo

use a decent thermostat...

vaughn

I am in the process of switching from a glass tank to plastic bins. I have one BP and am getting a new baby girl in a few weeks.

I see here that its suggested to get a thermoregulator to plus your stuff into. I get that part, but I'm a little stumped on the flex watt tape. I've searched the site and cant find my question answered.

if you use flex watt, do you put it directly on the bin or does it need to go on a shelf under the bin or what?

I'm a little flustered trying to get this plastic bin thing figured out. my glass tank set up is perfect, but I cant afford a whole new set up in glass for my new baby, and I've heard LOTS of people love using plastic.

I bought my bins today...I would send a photo but my oldest took my batteries out of my camera, but its a 66 quart flat Sterilite with a hinged lid and rollers on the bottom. is this an ok choise, or did I make a mistake?

so I need heating advice, and humidity as well. anyone feel like taking a shot? sorry to pester you all with it but I cant find anything in previous threads or forums...maybe I just dont know how to search? LOL

thanks folks

Wendy, I've made some comments in your thread.


As for the Kritter Keeper....T-stats, no matter WHAT the "house", is a must. I accid. killed Baby because the ROOM's heater went on the fritz while I was at work and the ambient got so warm, that with the UTH she got too hot. Everything! is on t-stats now...UTH, heat lamps, every everloving heat source.

Using aluminum tape, you tape the flexwatt to the bottom of the tub, or tank on the outside. Freddie's house is a 65g hexagon aquarium and the plexiglass is too thick for the heat on the outside, so the thermostat and thermometers are both right on top of the heating pad (it's one of those UTH pads made in Scotland...I don't remember the brand name :oops: ) and it's all buried under the aspen.

Hope this helps. :)

RuLyn