Heating pads?

So I just got two new enclosures for my snakes, and was looking at differnt brands of heating pads (Ive got one that like, but just looking), when I came across an article saying NOT to use heat pads. I already knew not to use heat rocks, but what about the under the tank heat pads? I use one now and have no problems, but I just wanted some other poeples oppinions. Thanks

Hi,

As long as they are regulated in some way I think they are perfectly fine - I am always prepared to learn however so where did you see the article?


dr del

UTH's are ok as long as you use a reliable thermostat (I prefer proportional) or rheostat. If you're looking for an inexpensive UTH check out the ultratherm uth sold at Reptile Basics. I have flexwatt in my rack, but I have a couple of snakes in quarantine and use the ultratherm uth's controlled by my t-stat. The ultratherms claim to not need a t-stat, but I still use one to be safe.

Is it possible they were talking about human heat pads?

I was told by a girl who raises them that you can use a heating pad, just make sure that you raise your tank up. It can't sit directly on the tank. I used boards to sit under the corners to raise it up. :)

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Originally Posted by mischevious21

So I just got two new enclosures for my snakes, and was looking at differnt brands of heating pads (Ive got one that like, but just looking), when I came across an article saying NOT to use heat pads. I already knew not to use heat rocks, but what about the under the tank heat pads? I use one now and have no problems, but I just wanted some other poeples oppinions. Thanks

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And human heating pads work fine as well, so long as the cage is slightly elevated so there isn't any weight on them, and they're controlled by a thermostat. (A thermostat really is a necessary piece of equipment for any heating method). Just make sure if you use one, that it does NOT have an automatic shutoff (as many do these days).