Question about plastic fumes

[MelissaFlipski]

The problem with drilling is it can leave some very sharp pieces of plastic on the inside of the tub for your snake to rub itself on.

I always do my venting outside. The soldering iron makes for smooth holes, much preferred. Also the drill can crack the plastic if you are over enthusiastic in your pushing.

Both true. I noticed the sharp edges and used sand paper to get them smooth.

I used a drill for the first holes, but I used a icepick for the rest. Smaller holes but worked just as quick.

My UTH is on a rheostat, and I check it everyday to make sure its not getting too hot. Its kinda bowed the bottom of the tub a little but I haven't seen any warping/blistering so far. Will the UTH (ZooMed brand - one size up from the mini) continually do this, or will the fumes disipate in time? Right now, I have the tub open to air it out a little. Should I look into heating it another way?

I'm not sure. I actually use regular heating pads under the tubs and UTH's on the glass tanks. One thing I like about heating pads is the lo, med, hi feature - not as exact as a rheostat, but still pretty good.

Anyone else have that problem with UTH on plastic tubs (off-gassing)?

[Ophiuchus]

I'm assuming by "regular" heating pads, you're meaning the ones sold for human use. The problem is nowadays most of the ones sold have an automatic kill switch after 2-3 hours of being on. I dunno...I was planning on using those, but maybe I'm shopping in the wrong places (walmart, pharmacies, etc).

[MelissaFlipski]

I'm assuming by "regular" heating pads, you're meaning the ones sold for human use. The problem is nowadays most of the ones sold have an automatic kill switch after 2-3 hours of being on. I dunno...I was planning on using those, but maybe I'm shopping in the wrong places (walmart, pharmacies, etc).

Yes, regular for humans. You are right; my mom said hers shuts off automatically. I've had this one for eons. I don't know where you can get regular ones. Try searching the net... ? It might be a new UL requirement.

[littleindiangirl]

I found ours at walmart, 12$.