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heat mats
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by lisa_smith on May 9, 2006
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Hi everyone , i would like to keep some snakes but where i live it gets really cold . Do heat mats heat the air to a good temperature or is it just the bedding ?
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RE: heat mats
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by Rob_Carmichael on May 9, 2006
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Heat mats will provide a nice, localized basking area but their ability to warm the air is somewhat limited depending on the type of enclosure that you use (but at the same time, if you are keeping a species that doesn't require high ambient temps, this may be the best way to go). There are some real good quality heat mats out there that are specifically for reptiles. Other good choices for heating, that could be used either exclusively or in conjunction with heat mats include: Pearlco heating elements (which I believe are readily available in England); this is a screw-in standard ceramic "bulb" that emits heat but no light and comes in many wattages. Pro Product radiant heat panels are exceptional and something I use for many of our herps at my wildlife center. Hope this helps.
Rob Carmichael, Curator of the Wildlife Discovery Center, Lake Forest, IL
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RE: heat mats
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by lisa_smith on May 9, 2006
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Its going to be in a glass tank . Someone told me if its under the tank its warms the bedding and the air and if its taped to the side it warms the air. I was'nt sure if this is true or not.
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RE: heat mats
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by toddg on May 9, 2006
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A heat pad on the side of the tank will heat the glass very nicely… but not the air, at least, not adequately. Heat pads under the cage (that’s were they’re designed to go) will do a good job of keeping your animal warm but not the ambient air. Imagine being outside on a cold day with plenty of clothing to keep you warm however, you’re still breathing cold air and are therefore more susceptible to illness.
As has already been suggested, an overhead-heating element is best, preferably ceramic as they do a better job of radiating heat downward although lights can and are used successfully.
Also, you may wish to invest in a thermostat to maintain a constant temperature in the enclosure. If you opt for the thermostat, you have a couple of options: the more affordable ones cost around $40 dollars, require a probe to be placed inside the tank and simply turn the heating element on and off to maintain constant temperature. An advantage to this type of thermostat is that you can use lights as a heat source as they are much cheaper than ceramic elements. On the downside, if the cage is in your room it makes it tough to sleep with a light going on and off all night not to mention, light bulbs don’t last as long when there constantly being turned on and off! Also, this type of thermostat may not be all that accurate with the temperature readings. There are more upscale thermostats such as Helix Controls, which also require a probe to be placed in the cage but offer the options of”daytime” and “nighttime” temps as well as supplying a continuous current (sort of like a light dimmer switch) to the heating element and not simply turning it “on” and “off”. An advantages to this type of thermostat is; since you must use ceramic elements there is no annoying light going on and off, they tend to be a lot more accurate in temperature readings, and because they offer a nighttime (cooler) temperature, they tend to ease that monthly electric bill just a little, not to mention it’s healthier for the snake. Also, Ceramic heating elements, while costing considerably more than light bulbs, last a lot longer than lights, up to 5 years (I’ve got some over 6 years old and still going strong). The main disadvantage of this type of thermostat is the cost, around $170 not including the heating element!
One thing to keep in mind, if you opt for either type of thermostat, be sure and place the temperature probe in a place were your snake can’t lay on it! This will not allow the heat to reach the probe and cause the temperature to rise and possibly overheat your animal.
toddg
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