Mya's new enclosure :)

[piedpython]

Use under the viv but raise up all four corners a bit to vent so it does not overheat. If you place the mat inside moisture from the humidity and snake feces will damage the mat.

[Kat1204]

Even though it is a wooden Viv?

with wood being an insulator won't it mean the mat will get really hot but the temp inside won't be as high as I thought heatmats heated what thy were touching? If there's a gap between bottom of Viv and heat mat then won't all the heat be lost?

so confusing!

[Kat1204]

Right!! Heat mat been on since 4pm yesterday and temp in viv is only 29.3C. It isn't hot enough!!

Due to size of viv, I can't use ceramic yet as fitting + bulb+ guard means it will sit too near the floor. Plus she is just a baby so I'm going with heat mat alone until she is big enough for larger viv.

I will therefore (like a lot of other keepers I have found) be putting the mat inside the viv. HOWEVER, I will put polystyrene under the mat and either a piece of Perspex or lino over the top to prevent burns. PLUS stat probe will be in contact with the mat and so it shouldn't get anywhere near hot enough to burn my girl.

Thank you so much for your advice on this but I've made an informed decision based on the need for a higher temp and what I've read other experienced keepers are doing in the UK

If they've had no problems for the numerous years they've kept/bred royals, then this method is for us.

Don't want to upset anyone, there seems to be reasons for and against Inside and outside viv. I need higher temp though so inside (with safety precautions) is for us.

[Kat1204]

I've now installed the heat mat inside, as it says to for wooden vivs. I hadn't realised it had specific instructions in the packet DOH! It says just to put it on the wood floor as wood is a great insulator.

As you know it also says not to immerse it in water (which I wouldn't but don't want poop or excess humidity making contact) therefore I have still put the lino on the top and sealed it all round. The probes for stat and thermometer are both in contact with this and so she won't get burned.
Temp now showing 35.6C as just installed it so it's deffo getting hot enough now Just need to keep adjusting the mat stat till it keeps it at the correct temp of 32C.

Does the basking temp remain at 32C all their lives or do you raise it as they get older?