Heat Mats

[darkness975]

Hi all,

Has anyone here experienced issues with heat mats? Specifically fire hazards and such?

I refuse to use heat lamps (for reptiles not inverts) due to the fire risk. But I am wondering if anyone has had similar issues with heat mats/pads?

 

[DomGom TheFather]

Hi all,

Has anyone here experienced issues with heat mats? Specifically fire hazards and such?

I refuse to use heat lamps (for reptiles not inverts) due to the fire risk. But I am wondering if anyone has had similar issues with heat mats/pads?

I don't use them very often.
Sometimes for roach bins and in the spring to start plants.
I never had anything crazy happen but last year i had to fix the countertop in my bathroom because the heat warped it when i was starting peppers.

 

[Matt Man]

I have them on my reptile enclosures. I have them back mounted and off to one side so I can have a R to L thermal gradient. I have had no issues.

 

[Dandrobates]

Purchase a good thermostat and test it over a few days before putting any living things in the enclosure. I use the herpstat made by spyder robotics and I’ve never had problems. They sound an alarm if the probe senses the temperature going 3 degrees above the desired setting. If the temperature continues to rise they shut down as a failsafe. They have great customer service as well. Obviously always use common sense. Your mat should be UL listed and a temp gun is going to be your best friend.

 

[Sterls]

I've used them for at least 9 years with my reptiles, both hear tape and regular hear mats you'd buy at the store. Never had an issue. Just make sure you don't pinch any wires.

Generally a good idea with mats to have some space between the shelf and the bottom of the tank, if mounted on the bottom. You can use little rubber feet for this, or some cages (those ones with front opening glass doors) are designed to accommodate.

Most important part is a good thermostat. I use the JumpStart brand, it's marketed towards seed germination and it's cheaper than the marked up reptile stuff. Depending on the setup a rheostat can be appropriate as well, but is far less precise.

Either way it's always a good idea to run them without the animal inside and get the temps right before you introduce it.

 

[Schiem]

I definitely prefer heat tape hooked up to a thermostat for my reptiles, that way I can control exactly how much surface area I'm covering. I've used both the Herpstat and the Vivarium Electronics without any issues - I've had one Herpstat running constantly for 4 years, and the only issue I've had is replacing the sensor cable (and it let me know there was a problem looong before it fully died).

I would never use any kind of heating pad / mat for an animal without a thermostat, there's too much risk involved.

 

[darkness975]

Okay thanks everyone. I will investigate further.

 

[jrh3]

I had best luck with flexwatt heat tape.

 

[Poonjab]

I Use heat mats and ceramic heat emitters with certain reptiles. Never had any issues. Use thermostats, set them up properly and use common sense. When setting up be aware of creating hot spots that could lead to fire risks and you’re good to go.

 

[viper69]

Hi all,

Has anyone here experienced issues with heat mats? Specifically fire hazards and such?

I refuse to use heat lamps (for reptiles not inverts) due to the fire risk. But I am wondering if anyone has had similar issues with heat mats/pads?

Not with the Ultratherm brand. Beers using the same one for over 20 yrs

 

[darkness975]

Not with the Ultratherm brand. Beers using the same one for over 20 yrs

Thats good to know.

 

[The Spider House]

Hi all,

Has anyone here experienced issues with heat mats? Specifically fire hazards and such?

I refuse to use heat lamps (for reptiles not inverts) due to the fire risk. But I am wondering if anyone has had similar issues with heat mats/pads?

Unless you have a really cold room, majority of tarantulas do not need, nor benefit, from heat mats. If you are comfortable at room temps, your Tarantula will be is the general rule of thumb.

If you do need to use a heat mat, some guidance as follows should help...
1. Attach a thermostat to help control the temperature range
2. Never heat more than 50% of the enclosure (warm and cool spot to allow your T to choose is better)
3. Never place UNDER the enclosure especially for terrestrial. If spiders need to avoid heat they are generally hard wired to dig to what they think is going to be cooler. If you have heat mat they actually get hotter.

Hope that helps

 

[darkness975]

Unless you have a really cold room, majority of tarantulas do not need, nor benefit, from heat mats. If you are comfortable at room temps, your Tarantula will be is the general rule of thumb.

If you do need to use a heat mat, some guidance as follows should help...
1. Attach a thermostat to help control the temperature range
2. Never heat more than 50% of the enclosure (warm and cool spot to allow your T to choose is better)
3. Never place UNDER the enclosure especially for terrestrial. If spiders need to avoid heat they are generally hard wired to dig to what they think is going to be cooler. If you have heat mat they actually get hotter.

Hope that helps

I know all of that already.

This inquiry is in regards to a mat for a reptile not an invert. Thats why I was asking.

I've never used mats or lights since I have never had any reptiles or any other animals that needed them since I keep the ambient temperature warm enough (unless the furnace goes out).

 

[The Spider House]

I know all of that.

This inquiry is in regards to a mat for a reptile not an invert

Sorry, didn't realise. I don't keep reptiles so can be no help.

 

[darkness975]

Sorry, didn't realise. I don't keep reptiles so can be no help.

No worries. I appreciate the reply.

One of the main reasons I like inverts is because we don't need to use heat for most of them.

 

[basin79]

Been using heat mats for over 20 years. For reps, amphibians and inverts.

Zero issues.

 

[Benson1990]

Never had an issue anytime I used one, i don't really use them much tbh i prefer over head heating myself when it comes to reptiles but have been using one for my T's without issue.

Most of the issues with heat mats are caused by people using them improperly, covering them with substrate or heavy items, not using a thermostat...

They are a terrible idea for heavy bodied or stout snakes/reptiles they suffer terrible from thermal blocking.

 

[Frogdaddy]

IMO heat mats can be a useful heating element or totally useless depending on the type of reptile you are keeping.

I guess you're trying to get away from using a heat lamp of some sort.
What herp are you trying to keep?
Bear in mind that many reptiles that are active baskers and that actually use the sun in the wild for thermoregulation will probably not respond well to heat mats only.

I would not use a heat tape for an iguana or chameleon, nor would I use a basking lamp for a leopard gecko or a snake.