Heating pad unstuck

[nvmycj]

Just to clarify my previous answer, the reason I use ceramic tiles under my tanks & UTH is that it's non-flammable, not for the R-value. I agree that 3/4" plywood is highly insulating.

As far a "cracking cabinets", I've only had one similar experience- or really 2, since I have identical coffee tables used to hold a couple of large tanks. These coffee tables are made of oak that is pieced together lengthwise for the tops, & they weren't the most expensive furniture around. The continual heating from the UTH above does appear to have accelerated the drying out & separating of the glue holding some of the wood pieces together, but the tables remain completely intact, & they're quite old at this point- a good thirty+ years! So I'd say that I got my money's worth even if they fell apart right now, which they're not doing. I think I noticed the cracks after about 15 years? (It hasn't been practical to lift up the tanks to oil the furniture underneath, but if I had, that may have helped?)

I also thought it would be a great source of insulation. Guess I was wrong per my description on my earlier post reply.

I've purchased a silicone mat to further insulate my heat pad. If the pad is good enough for curling irons, I would assume it's good enough for a heating pad.

I am purchasing a temperature controlled thermostat TODAY!

Just a means of clarification, why/how could a snake burn itself with an UTH pad? The pad is stuck underneath the outside of the tank, with about 3-4" of coconut husk substrate, and his hide is sitting on that. The temp of the warm side hide never exceeds 89 degrees. The temp probe is sitting on top of the substrate in his hide. The only way I see him injuring himself is if he burrows down through the substrate.

Thanks for your help!