How to install new ultratherm heat mat

[Jmurphy97]

I'm new to this forum but I've had my ball python for about 10 years now I would say. I've been using a ceramic heat emitter on a thermostat but after reading around I now realize the heat mat is the way to go. Well today it came on the mail and looking at the instructions it says to use polyethylene insulation with it. Does anyone use this? I'm using a 40 breeder as the enclosure. Thanks for any info.

[BHReptiles]

I'm not familiar with this brand of heat mat, but I will say that you need a thermostat for that heat mat. If you don't have one, continue using the CHE until your thermostat comes in the mail. Using a heat mat without one can cause burns if you aren't careful.

Budget: http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR.../dp/B000NZZG3S
Mid-grade: http://www.reptilebasics.com/ranco/johnson-controls/
Best: http://www.spyderrobotics.com/store/

I personally have both the hydrofarm and the herpstat 2. I LOVE my herpstat and am currently in the process of replacing all my thermostats with Herpstats. It controls the temps much better than the hydrofarm with very little fluctuation.

[Jmurphy97]

Well I do have a thermostat already. It has been working for the CHE so I think I'm set there. I'm just wondering about this insulation thing. I thought you would just tape it on and braveheart done after setting the thermostat. I'm also going to get the thermometer from walmart.

[Artemille]

I think the insulation keeps the heat toward the tank instead of below, and makes it more energy efficient. Just make sure to have raised footing on the tank to allow airflow or you could damage the tank and whatever surface you have it on.

I just have mine taped onto the underside of my exo-terra tank with the thermostat probe taped between the uth and glass. The thermostat is set to 99F and maintains around 93-96F on the bare glass and 88-90F on the substrate. Just remember different substrates retain heat differently. I use jungle earth which is really loose.

[Jmurphy97]

I think the insulation keeps the heat toward the tank instead of below, and makes it more energy efficient. Just make sure to have raised footing on the tank to allow airflow or you could damage the tank and whatever surface you have it on.

I just have mine taped onto the underside of my exo-terra tank with the thermostat probe taped between the uth and glass. The thermostat is set to 99F and maintains around 93-96F on the bare glass and 88-90F on the substrate. Just remember different substrates retain heat differently. I use jungle earth which is really loose.

Do you use any insulation? I was thinking of putting the thermostat probe inside the hide or would it be better between the mat and glass?

[Artemille]

I do not use insulation. The exo terra just has a bottom rim that keeps the tank about 1/2" from the table it's on.

Always put the thermostat probe right on the mat, then a thermometer probe on the inside. You want to be able to regulate the actual temp of the mat itself to prevent any too hot areas. A thermostat probe inside the tank can be misread if it gets moved by the snake or accidentally gets wet.

[The Serpent Merchant]

I do not use insulation. The exo terra just has a bottom rim that keeps the tank about 1/2" from the table it's on.

Always put the thermostat probe right on the mat, then a thermometer probe on the inside. You want to be able to regulate the actual temp of the mat itself to prevent any too hot areas. A thermostat probe inside the tank can be misread if it gets moved by the snake or accidentally gets wet.

If the heat pad is being regulated by a thermostat there is no need for a gap for airflow. The thermostat will keep the heating pad at the desired temperature. In many cases adding airflow will make the heating pad inefficient and in extreme cases unable to achieve the desired temperature.

[Artemille]

I have always read about needing a bit of air, and my tank was just made with the gap built in. But since it never gets past 100 I can understand the lessened need.

I don't have much of a temp difference between the pad itself and the glass with my current setup. I would rather err on the side of safety rather than maximum efficiency, but its good to know if needed, the insulation won't hurt.

[33rpm]

I actually emailed Rich @ RB about the same thing and he said not to worry about the insulation. As in, not necessary.