Can I use Under the Tank Heater (UTH) on a wire shelf?

[JPNLKT]

So, I'm planning on getting my first snake. Haven't decided on what kind yet, probably either a ball python, milk, or corn snake. Either way, I'm planning on buying the Zoo Med Snake starter kit, which comes with a Under the tank heater, and heat lamp.

But my bedroom is tiiiiiny. only 10" x 10", with awkwardly placed doors, and closets, and I already have a craft table in there. So, I'm looking to getting a shelving unit, so I can make use of the vertical space to store other junk above or below the snake tank on separate shelves. Problem with this though, is that I really only have about 45 inches of room for a shelving unit. So a 48L x 18D x 72H is too long to fit the space. There are 36L x 18D x 72H shelves too, but when I upgrade to a 40 gallon tank, it wont fit, because of the bars / poles.

So I'm planning on getting one that is 42" long x 18" deep x 72" high. I originally wanted one with flat wood shelves, like this one: THIS

But I can't find one that is between 40" to 42" Long. only 36" or 48"

But I did find a shelving unit by Honey Can Do that is 42"L x 18D. But it has completely wired shelves. THIS

I've been trying to research it myself, but I can't find anything on this particular topic. I just wanna know, will a UTH heater work fine on a wire shelf, or will all the heat escape through the bottom of the shelf and so won't effectively heat up the terrarium? Is there any other issues regarding UTH use on wire shelves?

Thank you


Edit: Forgot to mention, I'm going to get a 20L tank first for the snake, but if I get a ball python, I will eventually upgrade to a 40 Gallon tank, which is why I want a shelf that can fit one.

[bcr229]

I think you'd have a lot of heat loss out the bottom. You could use a thin piece of insulation as a shelf liner.

[JPNLKT]

I think you'd have a lot of heat loss out the bottom. You could use a thin piece of insulation as a shelf liner.

Do you have an idea of what can be used? All I can find is thin plastic shelf liners.

[Valyrian]

Don't get a glass tank. Get a plastic or wooden vivarium and use a ceramic heat emitter or radiant heat panel. No need for UTH

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[Craiga 01453]

Like bcr229 said, you can put something under the tank. A piece of plywood, foam board insulation, just about anything along those lines will work.

Keep in mind you'll need to regulate ALL heat sources with a thermoSTAT.

Also, the dial style stick-on thermometers and hygrometers that come with those kits are wildly inaccurate and basically useless. Don't even bother putting them in the tank. You'll want to get a couple decent digitals. Many of us use Accurite brand dual thermometer/hygrometers that can be found at Wal-Mart for about $10.

The tiny hide and water bowl won't last you long either if you decide on a BP.

If you decide to go with a juvenile corn or milk, that starter kit will likely be too big for a while.

My two cents: decide which species you want, then buy the appropriate enclosure and equipment individually. It'll save you time and money in the long run. There are always tons of used tanks on Craigslist if you decide to go glass.

[Craiga 01453]

Don't get a glass tank. Get a plastic or wooden vivarium and use a ceramic heat emitter or radiant heat panel. No need for UTH

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

I think this really depends on what species OP decides on.
Also, I've been using glass for years with no issues whatsoever. BPs, Kings, corns, hognose and Borneo STP all in glass, all healthy.

[Valyrian]

I think this really depends on what species OP decides on.
Also, I've been using glass for years with no issues whatsoever. BPs, Kings, corns, hognose and Borneo STP all in glass, all healthy.

True, temerate species such as rat snakes do well in glass however a tropical species will always do better in a wooden or plastic enclosure with overhead heat. The over head heat simulates the sun baking the ground and warming the air. Wooden and plastic enclosures also maintain humidity and hold temperature much better than cold glass does. Temperate species are more forgiving with low air temperature and humidity so can do well with an UTH that just warms the objects in the enclosure and not the air.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[bcr229]

Do you have an idea of what can be used? All I can find is thin plastic shelf liners.

Something like this, you could even hollow out an area for your thermostat probe so that it doesn't crack the bottom of your tank by creating a pressure point. It cuts very easily so one $10 sheet will do all your shelves.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Insulfoam-C...lation/3033278

[Bogertophis]

Personally, I'd buy some cheap ceramic tiles from the nearest flooring store (where they sell & install carpet, vinyl & ceramic tile flooring) to line a wire
shelf with. Wood or foam board is great insulation but NOT fire-proof...you want safety first. UTH must be regulated but heat builds up & both wood and
foam board will dry out over time & are flammable...not the best choice, though if you need a really insulated cage floor, you could use both with less risk.
(wood or foam board on shelf first, tiles on top & leave air gaps -needed for the UTH!-) So yes, wire shelves can be workable. Safety first though.

[Craiga 01453]

Personally, I'd buy some cheap ceramic tiles from the nearest flooring store (where they sell & install carpet, vinyl & ceramic tile flooring) to line a wire
shelf with. Wood or foam board is great insulation but NOT fire-proof...you want safety first. UTH must be regulated but heat builds up & both wood and
foam board will dry out over time & are flammable...not the best choice, though if you need a really insulated cage floor, you could use both with less risk.
(wood or foam board on shelf first, tiles on top & leave air gaps -needed for the UTH!-) So yes, wire shelves can be workable. Safety first though.

That's a fantastic idea! You can often find oddball tiles at hardware or flooring stores for real cheap too.