Where to place a heat pad/UTH?

[Flatheadhunter33]

I know that a heat pad generally goes underneath. I am trying to put together a custom enclosure made from an old two level book shelf. I am wondering if I can place a heat pad underneath linoleum(sp?) which I plan to use for lining the bottom of the shelves? thanks.

[hud556]

the UTH would have to be incredibly hot to get the correct temps in the enclosure probably not a great idea... check out radiant heat panels

[daveadk]

radiant heat panels are the best way to go with custom enclosures. safe

[Kaorte]

You can put them under tiles as long as it is completely water proof. You will also need a thermostat in conjunction with the UTH to prevent burns to your animal.

[Flatheadhunter33]

You can put them under tiles as long as it is completely water proof. You will also need a thermostat in conjunction with the UTH to prevent burns to your animal.

Thanks. I remember you giving me advice some time back on this subject but flex watt was what I was interested in using at the time. You also mentioned heat panels as well. I agree that they would be nice to use...but right now, I am on a pretty strict budget. Since this will be the 1st enclosure I have ever done, I want to see how things will work and maybe put more money into another on later one down the line.

I was planning on going with a heat pad under the tile and water proof all around with a thermostat attached to control the output.

[Kaorte]

Thanks. I remember you giving me advice some time back on this subject but flex watt was what I was interested in using at the time. You also mentioned heat panels as well. I agree that they would be nice to use...but right now, I am on a pretty strict budget. Since this will be the 1st enclosure I have ever done, I want to see how things will work and maybe put more money into another on later one down the line.

I was planning on going with a heat pad under the tile and water proof all around with a thermostat attached to control the output.

That will probably work just fine Good luck!

[stevepoppers]

Are you talking about the typical heap pads? Like Zoomed brand? They're way more expensive than Flexwatt.

[Kaorte]

Are you talking about the typical heap pads? Like Zoomed brand? They're way more expensive than Flexwatt.

If you only need one heat pad you might as well get a zoo med or an ultratherm. After shipping and getting the clips and getting it wired, its nearly the same price.

[stevepoppers]

Wasn't for me.

1 foot of 11" wide ($3.40) + wire/clip/insulator set ($5.00) + UPS Ground shipping (to me) ($8.39) = $16.79. Heat pads are at least $20.

So why overpay a company that sells dangerous malfunctioning products without adequate warning? The fact that they don't recommend a thermostat has got to be the number one cause of burns.

[Kaorte]

There is nothing wrong with zoomed pads? They malfunction just about as often as flexwatt..

For some animals you don't need a thermostat to use a zoomed heat pad. Some species can tolerate higher temps of an unregulated heat pad.