Following some sensible advice on a previous thread I have purchased a heat mat to go under the viv. I have read the scare stories about them not working and over heating etc and understand the use of a thermostat and the polystyrene under the mat etc....what I am worried about is even with a 5mm gap between tank and heat mat the glass may get too hot and inadvertantly burn my snake.
I have therefore not begun using it as would like advice on how to ensure this won't happen.
Any kind souls feel like offering up their knowledge to a newby?
Make sure you hook it to a good thermostat (don't go with a cheap one) and test it thoroughly. Measure the temp inside the cage on the bottom right over the heat, which will be the hottest place. Start with a slightly safer/lower temp, such as 75, to make sure you figure out how high you need to set the thermostat to get that reading (you will always lose some between the thermostat set point and the actual heat level inside). Then slowly ramp it up one degree per day until you hit 82, checking several times each day to make sure it is working correctly.
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Heat mat Glass viv = confused.com!!!!!
Posted - 16/04/2012 : 14:16:24
