Heat pad under Sterlite???

[BAratLL]

I did the DIY sterlite critter cage, and I have a basking light on the cage but I'm having a problem keeping the temperature high enough. I was wondering if I would be able to put a Human heating pad under the plastic and not have any worries? The tank is also on the ground/carpet would this be a problem? Or what would be a better remedy to raise the temp. Thanks.

[MrsMacWin]

Yeah they do but you need to make sure that there is space between the tank and the mat for the air to circulate around the mat and the container.

[JamminJonah]

I just wanna add if your heating pad has settings such as hi med low or 1-5 or 1-3 or some such I wouldn't go over medium because heating pads get hot enough to burn past medium- just a thought. Air space would be good - just use those little feet from walmart (I got the thickest I could find)... It would probably be best if you could find a piece of plywood or something to put underneath.. I don't know how flammable carpet is or anything though so others may know more.

[Smynx]

I have human heat pads directly under the sterlites I'm keeping my 3 newest BPs in. The pads are under 1/2 of the container, but because the pads are so large, a good portion of the pad is not covered by the container, which I think may help diminish any danger of overheating. I have about an inch of aspen as substrate, and with the heat pads on low, the temps stay perfect with no need for a lamp. Since I don't use a lamp, the humidity stays perfect as well. I was hesitant about putting the heat pads directly on the wood surface of the table I have the containers on, so I put down a piece of plastic pegboard to help with air circulation. So far, its working great.

[Smynx]

Addendum (after reading Jonah's reply): if you are not using loose substrate like aspen or bark, and are using something like newspaper, take Jonah's advice and use the tall rubber feet on your sterlite. I use short ones on one side of the sterlites to even out the container since 1/2 of it is propped up by the heat pad.