Using a heat mat

[TopazEye]

I have never kept a snake in a viv/aquarium (assuming you mean the glass tanks, yes?) so I could very well be wrong, but my initial impression is that just a heat mat + thermostat would not be sufficient in that case. I think that most of us who only use a mat/thermostat are using bins or tubs supplemented by ambient heat. Tubs and bins maintain a stable heat gradient that I am not sure can be achieved in a tank.

Mostly likley they mean a wooden enclosure.

[MuicyJelon]

I have never kept a snake in a viv/aquarium (assuming you mean the glass tanks, yes?) so I could very well be wrong, but my initial impression is that just a heat mat + thermostat would not be sufficient in that case. I think that most of us who only use a mat/thermostat are using bins or tubs supplemented by ambient heat. Tubs and bins maintain a stable heat gradient that I am not sure can be achieved in a tank.

This.



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[Caitlin]

That looks very nice! In an enclosure like that I might try a heat mat at each end - one set for the warm side; one set for the cool side. But more experienced keepers might have better input.

[MuicyJelon]

That looks very nice! In an enclosure like that I might try a heat mat at each end - one set for the warm side; one set for the cool side. But more experienced keepers might have better input.

There is three vents in it two at the top in each corner and one at the bottom in the middle. Just in case you were wondering.


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[Craiga 01453]

Yes it can be done. But it depends on the ambient temperature if the room the enclosure is in. If the room stats at a constant temp of 78+ then yes, you can get away with using a heat mat for a hot spot with no additional heat.

Heat mats are designed solely to create a hot spot and not for ambient temps. Of course, they will raise ambient temperature, but not a lot since that's not how they're designed.

I do have a few enclosures that I only use a heat mat for, but I keep my snake room heated accordingly.

[MuicyJelon]

How can I stat one up properly? I use a Habistat pulse thermostat, I can use it for a heat mat but I don’t where the probe should be.


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[jmcrook]

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[MuicyJelon]

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It’s a viv so it won’t be going inside as the heat wouldn’t get through. There’ll be a cover over the mats to prevent burns. That’s why I don’t know where to place the probe.


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[OkamiFlautist]

Is that a wooden vivarium? If so, I don't think I've heard of anyone using a heat mat in one. I've never personally used a wooden Viv myself though so I can't really comment on that part.

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[WhompingWillow]

All of the photos I've seen online with wooden vivariums use either radiant heat panels or more frequently bulbs.