Flexwatt or Ultratherm

[comanche2g]

Which do you think is best? if other what do you use?

[dalvers63]

I voted other, as I use both. The main difference between the flexwatt and the UltraTherm is that you CAN get away with not using a thermostat with the UltraTherms (though definitely NOT recommended). With Flexwatt, you have to use a thermostat, no questions asked.

I have Flexwatt on all of my tubs and I use the UltraTherm heat pads when I do outreaches with snakes as they are easily portable.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Which do you think is best? if other what do you use?

Both work great!

Ultratherm is a ready to use UTH

The heat tape will have to be wired (you can do it yourself of have it wired fo you if you are buying it from ReptileBasics.com)

[Stewart_Reptiles]

UltraTherm is that you CAN get away with not using a thermostat

False.

I have tested myself doing a little experience with several of them and if not controlled by a thermostat the temps can reach up to 120 degrees (depending on the conditions) which is not suitable for a BP. (Yes I know it says otherwise on the instrutions)

Any heating device must be controlled to maintain proper temps and avoid over-heating.

[comanche2g]

cool. thanks for the tips. i didnt know reptilebasics will wire it for you. thats what i'll have to do then. thank you!!

[dsirkle]

I use both. Flexwatt is really the best way to go because it costs much less to purchase, a factor to consider when buying for multiple enclosures. I have ultrathem pads on 2 herpcage.com cages and I have found by testing that ultratherm pads run as hot as the flexwatt when unregulated by a thermostat contrary to advertised information.If you were buying for only one enlosure and you wanted simplicity, ultratherm pads would be a fine option.

[deeplove]

False.

I have tested myself doing a little experience with several of them and if not controlled by a thermostat the temps can reach up to 120 degrees (depending on the conditions) which is not suitable for a BP. (Yes I know it says otherwise on the instrutions)

Any heating device must be controlled to maintain proper temps and avoid over-heating.

This is very true. I also tried it out without the Rheostat and it was easily over 113F for most of the part. And I keep my house at 74F.

I personally have the Ultratherm and it's great. It's more expensive but for my needs it's more than fine. If I do end up getting a Helix or something, then I'll be going for the Flexwatt.

[RichsBallPythons]

ultratherms can be used without a thermostat but i would not recommend it. I tested the Ultratherm in a 67oF basement and the ultratherm reached 96oF max. But then the basement would have to stay in the 60s to keep that which is sometimes not possible during the different seasons.

BOTH WORK GREAT.

[CMO]

My ultratherm got upwards of 112 degrees without a thermostat....

[filly77]

i personally love the ultratherms, thats what I started with. they have a thicker laminate on them and look neater. but once you start getting more snakes, the cost is well.. costly lol. i use flex for the racks now that I have more snakes but put the ultratherm mats to good use, they're in my incubator.

they claim you can use the ultratherms w/o a t-stat, I never took that chance. I always used a thermostat with mine.