Heat mats- can I use this with my tub setup???

[sleuthsayer]

HEY, guys! I am brand new to this forum and am new to the hobby as well, I'll be looking to get my first ball python in the next week or so. I've been doing around a year and a half's worth of research and decided that a tub setup would work best for me. Question about the heat mat, though- do any of you use Fluker's premium heat mats with your tub set up? Is it safe? I've heard about heat mats that do not burn through your tub, and cautions about using the stick-on kind with anything but glass.. If you don't use fluker's, what do you use?? I'm hesitant about using heat tape, don't want to start any fires or burn my new snake, though!

[redshepherd]

You have to get a thermostat to plug your heat mat into, and that's what regulates the temperature to prevent burns or worse. You set the temp at 90~92 or whatever it may be, and the regulated heat source won't burn or melt anything 90~92 is cooler than your hands.

I don't like the stick on kind though. My favorite is ultratherm heat mats from reptilebasics.

[JustinGatCat]

I'm using this heat mat on my Tub and it has a built in thermostat. Heats everything very nicely and was very cheap too. Doesn't have stick on side though

Reptile Pet Heating Pad Mat Bed, 110V US Plug Reptile Under Tank Warmer Mat Heating Mat with Temperature Controller (7W- 6x11 in) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MRGMD58..._BwIEWsD11vYsq


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[sleuthsayer]

Thank you for the reply! i was asking because I heard that some heat mats emit a different kind of heat than, say, a Zilla heat mat, with the sticky back. And that if you're using anything other than glass, that you can't set the tub directly on the heat mat or it'll melt :v

[sleuthsayer]

Thank you!! That's exactly the kind of heat mat i just bought. Do you have to elevate the tub or can you set the tub directly on the mat??

[redshepherd]

Thank you for the reply! i was asking because I heard that some heat mats emit a different kind of heat than, say, a Zilla heat mat, with the sticky back. And that if you're using anything other than glass, that you can't set the tub directly on the heat mat or it'll melt :v

That's a load of crap LOL. Some UTH can get hotter than others when unregulated, but you're never going to plug them into the wall unregulated. It might melt if it's plugged straight into the wall, so the temps might fly up to 130 or 140 randomly, and by then, the snake would be long dead.

I would still buy a separate thermostat. The "temperature controller" is nice but a very cheap function. A good thermostat where you have a probe, and set the exact temp, is the most important equipment you need for a snake.

[sleuthsayer]

of course! this is the thermostat I was going to use, paired with a thermometer with probe to get an accurate temperature- is this okay? Of all the things associated with ball python care, the heat mat has always been most confusing lol


https://www.chewy.com/zilla-terrariu...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

[redshepherd]

of course! this is the thermostat I was going to use, paired with a thermometer with probe to get an accurate temperature- is this okay? Of all the things associated with ball python care, the heat mat has always been most confusing lol


https://www.chewy.com/zilla-terrariu...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

Yes, that works to start out! The best reliable thermostats are herpstats and vivarium electronics (it's TOTALLY worth it), but you can always save up for one later.