Your Reptile and Amphibian Resource and Information Site

Back to Ball Python Forum   Forums   Home   Members Area  

Ball Python Forum

Toggle   Chevron 42   Toggle   Marg   Nate304   Toggle   Marg   Nate304  
 Member  Message

 #2090202


Toggle
View Profile





 UltraTherm heat pad question

I know a few people on this forum have and use the UltraTherm heat pads. I’m thinking about buying one to use on my ball python’s new tub, but I’m wondering about its placement. Can I just set the heat pad on a hard service, then set the tub on top of that? Or will the mat get too hot for the surface? Thanks!

jake



10/30/09  11:22pm

 #2090230


Chevron 42
View Profile



  Message To: Toggle   In reference to Message Id: 2090202


 UltraTherm heat pad question

I recently got mine and I use Foil Tape to adhere it to the bottom of the enclosure. I believe that is what the majority of others around here would recommend to you. It makes a lot more sense than sitting it on the table/cabinet/what have you.

As a side note: especially if, as it appears, your UTH will be in direct contact with the surface (though I’m not sure how you plan on not crushing the power cable if that is indeed the case), you need to make sure it doesn’t overheat. That means using a thermostat, or at least a dimmer switch of some sort, to give you the ability to regulate it’s wattage. Thermostats are more expensive, but once you set them to a temperature they’ll do the work for you to turn the heat up and down. You might know all of this already, but I figured I’d pitch in a few cents.



10/31/09  01:10am

 #2090275


Toggle
View Profile



  Message To: Chevron 42   In reference to Message Id: 2090230


 UltraTherm heat pad question

Thanks Chevron! I have a ReptiTemp 500R, which I’ve been using for about a year with no problems =) I’ll have to look into the foil tape. Do you just put it around the edges of the mat, or can you lay strips over it? Thanks again!

jake



10/31/09  09:38am

 #2090287


Marg
View Profile



  Message To: Toggle   In reference to Message Id: 2090275


 UltraTherm heat pad question

Put pieces on the corners, and next to where the power cord is....

I have had mine attatched this way for 2 yrs...
I have only had to replace 1 peice, from where I accidently
pulled it down when I was cleaning.... rag snagged the cord.

Whole roll of foil tape for 10 tiny little peices - lol

Oh well... least I have foil tape for other projects...

As for placement...
I would probably have some space under the UTH to allow air flow...
but I have seen pics of racks with heat tape directly on shelves,
with tubs/containers directly on the heat tape.

Guess it depends on the surface.

If you are afraid it will get burned... don’t do it.
You can use a variety of things to elevate the tub...
Wooden picture frames..
furring strips...
1 x 2 - etc.

Marg



10/31/09  10:09am

 #2090289


Nate304
View Profile



  Message To: Marg   In reference to Message Id: 2090287


 UltraTherm heat pad question

i hot glued mine on to keep moisture out from the under side of it. and it worked good for me.



10/31/09  10:22am

 #2090354


Toggle
View Profile



  Message To: Nate304   In reference to Message Id: 2090289


 UltraTherm heat pad question

Thanks guys! I’ll go ahead and order one of those then. What brand of tub works best for these UTH’s? Sorry for all the questions guys!

Jake



10/31/09  03:28pm

 #2090385


Marg
View Profile



  Message To: Toggle   In reference to Message Id: 2090354


 UltraTherm heat pad question

most use Sterolite brand... just make sure it is sturdy...
and you will need binder clips to secure the sides...
just cuz they clip on the ends does not mean they will not get out.



10/31/09  06:18pm

 #2090472


Nate304
View Profile



  Message To: Marg   In reference to Message Id: 2090385


 UltraTherm heat pad question

hay bud ultratherm has saved my butt. i live in a dramiticly chainging area. from 105 dry arid area to a 100% humid some times freezing area. it is a varry reliable product. it is verry durable. i dont sugest using it to heat your bath watter. but all in all it maintains its constant heat. with lights it suits me well



11/01/09  12:17am


Back to Ball Python Forum   Forums   Home   Members Area