Kane Heat Mats???

[JennM]

I have been trying to figure out how I can put belly heat on one of my cages and ran across the Kane heat mats. After some research, I found Kane Manufactory's warranty. It sounds and looks very durable; however, the warranty says not to cover it with ANYTHING. (I guess with the exception of their own covers ???)

Does anyone use these inside their snakes enclosure? Do you use any sort of bedding or newspaper with it? If so, have you ever had issues by doing so?

Thanks!

[The Serpent Merchant]

Heat mats should not be used inside the enclosure. Heat mats should be stuck to the outside of the enclosure/whatever the enclosure is sitting on and be regulated by a thermostat.

[kitedemon]

I don't like heaters inside enclosures much I purchased a RHP to play with and I have used a product similar to a Kane mat in testing. The mat I maxed at 96º I never got it hotter than this and Kane has a killer rep they make I think hands down the most durable heat mat available (and most expensive). From my experience with both the RHP is scarier. I am going to fiddle with it but...

I understand your problem I am leery of using any heater inside an enclosure but if you are going to I have a few suggestions to make it as safe as possible. I would NEVER use an on/off T-stat only a proportional unit The probe must be very firmly fixed to the pad. It must not move at all. I use hot melt glue but I would be concerned about it softening on a heat mat like this so I might investigate other glue systems (3m 5200 comes to mind...)

I would also always use a On/off T-stat as a fail safe in addition.

This is a fairly expensive operation at this point, I am going to make a second suggestion replace the bottom of the enclosure with PVC (not expanded or foamed just plain PVC) it transmits heat well and efficiently you can then use traditional UTH systems.