Heatpad location

[Silvrav]

Hi Guys and Girls

I have been building cage this weekend (will be posting some pics later on) and just want to enquire the following:

I have read on here and on the net about heat pads and most people suggest that it must be mounted outside as the heat will penetrate the wood and create a basking spot.

However I have a low wattage heat pad and it only reaches 32-33'...

Can I therefore mount it straight on the floor and will it cause any issues for the snake if she lies directly on it? or must i rather cover it with a tile of some sort?

[uncutdiamonds]

Wood is a good insulator (a bad heat conductor). So if it's outside the would the heat may not be moving into the enclosure.


What I've done is to place the heating pad into the enclosure and set a custom cut glass plate on the heating pad to cover it. That way I prevent the snake from digging herself in under it (something she frequently did do). I wonder if I should put the enclosure onto styrofoam to insulate it better from underneath.

One thing I heard about arboreal snakes was that it is advisable to place the heating pad into the upper part of the enclosure.
Don't know, if that is true.

[Fooble]

It's also important to take into account what species you are preparing the cage for.

Yes do not put the pad directly in the cage they can get quite hot and direct contact with a hot heating pad will burn your snake.

Personally i use heat pads externally if you are using a 16mm ply or even chipboard as the enclosure the heat will penetrate that fine.
32-33 should be OKAY too.

[Silvrav]

Hi Fooble

its for a Carpet. I am getting some dimmer swithces today and will connect this up to the headpad as well. Will measure the temp until its a constant 31'C and just run it on a timer for during the night or day?

[Bushviper]

Silrav you need to connect any heating device to a thermostat which is set at the temperature you need. This also helps to cut it out if any overheating occurs.

[Silvrav]

Thanks BV...

I also have light on a thermostat.

I have been told to maybe put the heatpad on the side as well? with the hide close buy for her to "chill" in.

Will experiment a bit and see what gives the best constant temps.

[Bushviper]

Silrav lights are not inclined to cause fires from over heating however heating pads have that reputation. Rather connect the thermostat to the heating pad.

[Silvrav]

Thanks BV, that is very true.

I will install the thermostat so that it regulates the temps. of the surface of the heatpad.

Safe to install the heatpad below astroturf?

Do you suggest putting 1/3 of its hide on the headpad as well?

I have two hides and one will be on the cooler side of the cage.

[uncutdiamonds]

In my scenario heating pad will be mainly sourounded by glass. No flammables like wood nearby. The glass will conduct heat into vivarium. It's also safe for animals to sit on this, as I can predict that temperature of glass will be less then 40C.

[Bushviper]

Silvrav yes that should work well. You can also try building a hide box which is as long as your cage where the snake can move around under the hide and either be on the heat pad or far away.

[Silvrav]

BV, that is a brilliant idea.

Therefore I will have the heatpad under the astro turf, with a very large hide (one corner of the heatpad).

Thanks for the assistance.