Fluker Heat Mat ?

[BillinIndiana]

Anyone here use a Fluker heat mat under their glass tanks?

In the directions it says:

"The heat mat is like a radiator, in that equal amounts of heat are radiated from both sides. Because heat is wanted in the cage, it is important that it is directed there. The heat mat should have expanded Polystyrene at a minimum of 6 mm thick, fixed to the outside surface of the heat mat. This will reduce wasted heat energy and will direct heat back into the cage. "

Then down under "Glass Tank Precautions" it says

" Ensure an adequate hole is cut in the Polystyrene to accommodate the terminal block. If this is not done, the base of the tank will be stressed and prone to breakage."

Here's where I'm confused.. I was told to space a glass tank up and so the mat gets air-flow.. This is saying to fix it to some styrofoam and put it right on the glass? What should I do?

[Capray]

I don't use one, but I say just install it with little feet and it should be fine.

[LLLReptile]

I like the Fluker's type of heat pads because they don't stick, making them easy to move. I usually just use some electrical tape to fix them in place, and use the "feet" that come with them to make sure the cages are elevated up to allow for some air flow.

As long as there is air flow between the pad and the surface the tank is sitting on (so the pad is touching the glass tank, but not the table/counter/dresser/etc that it is resting on), you will not have problems with cracked glass or ruined furniture. Resting the pad directly on the surface the tank is sitting on, and just putting the tank above it, can result in problems such as cracked glass or furniture with discoloration due to heat.

-Jen

[BillinIndiana]

For some reason I didn't get any feet? I bought it from Amazon and usually have excellent luck with other unrelated products.
I picked up some foil tape used for HVAC air ducts etc. Do you tape around the whole perimeter of the heat pad ? I get what you are saying about spacing the tank up.. I'll just use some drink coasters or something on each of the four corners to allow some air flow..
Thanks for the replies !