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stckinlodi · #1 (**permalink**) 07-09-2005, 07:31 AM

what does everyone think the best UTH's are for large boa cages. all opinions are welcome. i really like the kane ones alittle expensive, but are they worth it? thanks for the input

buck2003 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-09-2005, 10:24 AM

As your in the states you can get flexi watt etc. I've seen a lot of ppl using it though I cant get it as no-where ships it. Other than that the traditional heat mats have been around a long time and work well, though a good stat IMO is a must!!

4one · #3 (**permalink**) 07-13-2005, 12:35 PM

Someone stated
Zoo Med heat pads are crap in my personal opinion.. Cobra, kane and flexwatt will not short out on you and burn down your house..lol..

Which has me all confused.Then I read on a ZooMed box CAUTION: Do not use the Repti Therm U.T.H. heater on plastic or wood terrariums. Provide adequate ventilation below pad to prevent overheating

So if that's the case what is best source for bottom heating?Wood or tileboard.Also which would be best for gonig inside cage?

buck2003 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-13-2005, 01:27 PM

Many people use heat mats, I have one under my brb's plastic tub (I think you'd call it a sml rubber maid) its on a stat though! I would love to get some flexi watt for floppys large wooden viv, but they wont ship? Regardless of what you choose if you use a thermostat they cant really overheat. I'm not keen on putting heat mats and such inside vivs unless there 100% sealed againt water/urine etc though and if its inside the viv IMO a stats a must!
When you decide what viv your gonna buy or have, find someone else witha similar viv and ask how they heat it! I use Infra read heat bulbs as well but I'm looking into UTH as its been suggested it helps better with digesting food! Buck

Livia · #5 (**permalink**) 07-13-2005, 03:52 PM

I've taken Repti Therm heat pads and run them not stuck to anything, just laying on a baker's rack and had them melt down spectactularly, but it only seems to happen with the 20 gallon and larger sizes, the smaller ones are ok. Even without melting down, I've tested many of them and they vary widely in temperature output. I've had some that got up to 140 degrees and some that wouldn't get past 90. Fresh out of the box. I simply don't trust them.

I prefer the Cobras or the Heatwaves. They are basically just prewired (for those of us with no do-it-yourself ability) Flexwatt with adhesive on them. I've never had one melt down, and they hold temperature very well without hot spotting, and every one I've tested has held temperature within 5 degrees. Usually around 90.

Kanes are real nice, but bulky and expensive. Heat panels would be the ideal way to go, but also prohibitively priced.

Livia

4one · #6 (**permalink**) 07-13-2005, 04:23 PM

I built a viv this weekend out tileboard and plywood.The tileboard I liquid nailed to top and bottom of all pieces,then I did something really dumb,putting Another bottom on a bottom (if that makes sense)at the time I was just going to use what I've used in my old viv over hanging heat light,but now decided I want to use UTH also.That's where I am a stand still.Seeing I've liquid nailed to bottoms together (dumb) so that's why I was considering putting it inside cause ,I figure it would not be hot enough going thru that thickness,if I put it on bottom.
Just a thought since u mentioned putting heat mats and such inside vivs unless there 100% sealed againt water/urine

those Cobras and Heatwaves could they be sealed with plexiglass,I'm thinking one fit piece on top one on bottom then pvc sealant bonded together so now I would have total seal heat pad right,that I can put inside viv?Or is that a bad idea.

buck2003 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-13-2005, 04:31 PM

I think its a good idea myself! Putting a piece of glass over the heatmat and sealing it! or perspex. I'd still use a stat though! the good thing with your idea is it makes it really easy to clean in the viv! as well.

4one · #8 (**permalink**) 07-13-2005, 05:03 PM

Yes it sounds fine to me too,I was just worried about if it is sealed like that there's no air at all getting in,was that ok,not sure if those pads required air or something.

Livia · #9 (**permalink**) 07-13-2005, 05:51 PM

I've seen Heatwaves placed on glass/pyrex cutting boards and put into a wooden cage, but they have little feet under them to lift them off the floor just slightly. I don't know about sealing it completely.

pathfinder36 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-13-2005, 06:37 PM

Depends on your reptile room's ambient temp. If the temp in your home or retile house is at least 75deg, then you can't get better then flexwatt (or similar product). Flexwatt is a low-wattage heat source that greatly reduces the chance of cooking your snakes in the case of mechanical failure. Unfortunately, if your temp is any lower then 75deg, you WILL have problems keeping the warmside of the cage at 88 without some other heat source. My home usually sits around 70 deg in the summer and 68-70 in the winter. In that, I prefer using human heat pads on the low setting. You just need to make sure the pad has an analog switch for H/M/L instead of a digital switch.

If you use human heat pads, make sure you're using a VERY reliable thermostat. You should also get a temp gun so you can periodically check the temps. Click the link in my sig to get a lot more info on some great husbandry items and more.

4one · #11 (**permalink**) 07-14-2005, 01:43 AM

I didnt think human heat pads were made to run 24/7 I have a walgreens moist/dry by homedics 120v 60hz 40w it has 3 settings by I didnt think these could run 24/7 as a hot spot.
http://www.walgreens.com/store/produ...&id=prod381533

Mark_scuba · #12 (**permalink**) 07-14-2005, 02:06 AM

Radiant heat panels are the best..............
They may cost more but they last forever and are by far the best........
No-one can say otherwise.....

http://www.pro-products.com/

ann0306 · #13 (**permalink**) 07-14-2005, 02:07 AM

My experience with radiant heat panels has been that you absolutely MUST have a thermostat.

Also, if you buy a human heat pad, make sure it doesn't have an automatic shut off (ours shuts off after 2 hours).

buck2003 · #14 (**permalink**) 07-14-2005, 02:26 AM

Can someone post a pic of what you call a human heat pad! sorry to sound dumb but I cant think what you mean by that? Do you mean something thats strapped to you if you have a back problem for example? or is it like an electric blanket you put on your bed on those cold nights ( that we have a lot of here in the UK lmao) Sorry but I really can't think what one is and its doing my head in lol

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