in tank heating

[Them and Us]

for added warmth would it be okay to place a heating pad inside the tank? cover it with substrate. thanks

[nuno]

I don't think that would be a good idea cause your reptile can burn itself or water can get on it a cause some problems...just my two cents!
Nuno

[Them and Us]

it would only be on one half of the cage. away from the water bowl and also it is a cloth covered heating pad. its temporary until i can bu new stuff. heat tape preferably. thanks. i have to think on this. we have been hit with cold and in the apartment they haven't turned all of the boilers on yet and its quite cool in here

[nuno]

mayby you can put a heat light to help bring up the temps. Hope this helps.

Thanks,
Nuno

[Tim_Cranwill]

You could also just insulate the outside walls of the enclosure with stirofoam or some blankets. Keep the heat in and the cold out. Even if the water is on the other side, is it worth the risk?

[Them and Us]

okay okay i won't do it. i placed the other pad on the back wall and surrounded it with blankets. thanks people

[Lisa]

One of the heating pads meant for human use (ie the ones from sunbeam) should be ok for use on the lowest setting.

[Blueeheeler]

I tried that when I first got my corn snake and found that my sunbeam at the lowest setting still reached 100 and above and mine is one that cycles so it does not stay the same temp all the time. This scared me so I stopped using it ASAP.

[Linds]

I would not suggest using human heat pads for heating your herps. True many people have used them for years with much success, but there have also been people that have lost their herps and homes to them as well. The fact remains that they do pose an increased risk of fire over regular herp heating devices since they were not designed to be left on 24/7. Are you willing to take that risk??? There are many other ways to increase the heat including lamps, insulation, etc. No heating devices should be placed IN the enclosure however, should a water bowl spill, or anything else could happen. The last thing you need is any moisture to make contact with it.....

[J.Monaghen]

I would go with a heat bulb of some sort for temp heat. Cover the tank with blankets, and help keep the cold out.

I would stay away from human heat pads, anywhere near water. Electrocution and fire is always possible with them.

good luck.
joe