Unregulated Heat Sources - video demo

[pretends2bnormal]

I mentioned in a post the other day that I was going to record a video of what temps unregulated heat tape and heat mats can reach as a resource we can share to those who don't believe that it gets that hot.

I only had a few on hand to test, but I tested out an Ultratherm heat mat, Flexwatt 6" heat tape, and what I think is the smallest ZooMed heat mat (5"×4").

I ran them 5 minutes, then read temperatures, and ran another 10 with 1/4" glass over top and measured the ZooMed mat. It could have used more time to heat up, but even on that brief time the small one cleared 100.

Here is the link to the video:
https://youtu.be/NcGJaHVF72w

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[Toad37]

Great video thanks for making that. It just goes to show that thermostats are a necessity not a recommendation. The zoomed heated up fast! I have that same temp gun

[Luvyna]

Excellent demonstration, it will be good for referring new owners to. It's scary how fast these heat mats reach dangerous temperatures. I still can't believe reptile heating equipment is sold without bundled thermostats or even a recommendation to use a thermostat.

Also, I use that same temp gun too!

[Bodie]

Well done. Definitely will help new reptile owners. Being able to actually see first hand will have a lasting impression.

[pretends2bnormal]

I expected the lower temperature on the ultratherm, although that is still too hot.

I did NOT expect that tiny, piddly 4W heat mat to hit 133 that fast.

I have their 40 gallon breeder size somewhere, I wonder if that one is as bad. If I find it, I'll test and just post the results here. It's something like 8"×11" I think.

I almost wish I had some of the other pet store brand ones. Like Zilla. But it isn't worth paying for that to test out.

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[pretends2bnormal]

Fun Fact!

When cooking steak, if you want it rare, you should pull it off the grill when it reaches 130-135 degrees F for a final temperature between 130 and 140.


That's definitely not something I want to think of in relation to one of my snakes. I imagine over a long "cooking" period, you could get an "over rare" snake too.

[Aerries]

I wonder if any of the admins could maybe sticky this to make it possible to add to the husbandry care sheets so it’s easily referenced. This is a great video! Thank you for sharing!


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[Craiga 01453]

Fantastic video!!!!!

Thanks so much for taking the time to make that video and share!!!

I definitely think this should be a "sticky"

[royalreilly]

Awesome demo. It's scary, huh? Really wish pet care companies would make these things safer. I remember when I was moving my BP to a new enclosure and I was testing out the heat pad and thermostat. I didn't have the probe close enough to the center of the pad and the temperature INSIDE the tank right above the uth got over 110 really quickly! Thank God I thoroughly tested and fixed everything before moving the snake in.

[Sunnieskys]

This definitely needs to be a sticky!

Thank you you for doing this!