Heating Pad Questions

[Dielc4]

The ambient room temp is usually under that at around 60-65 in their tank during the summer. That's why I'm researching heating pads. It's actually freezing in there, especially for cold-blooded animals

I've found that a lamp above their tank works well, I tried heating mats but I wasn't happy with the results I was getting

 

[madagascarhissinglover]

I've found that a lamp above their tank works well, I tried heating mats but I wasn't happy with the results I was getting

I've researched those, however they produce more light energy than thermal. I've also used them with a Beardie I used to keep and they didn't work very well. My boys also like to go up on the roof of their tank, the lamp would burn them.

 

[madagascarhissinglover]

On an earlier thread I asked more specific questions regarding getting a Heating Pads for my roaches, this one I would just like product recommendations.

- If you have any thermostat + heating pad recommendations please comment
- Also if you wouldn't mind informing me where I can purchase said products, that would be amazing
Any additional info you may need: I live in the US, so I'll need something that either ships internationally or is made locally. My price range is below $30 for the heating pads, and not over $50 for any thermostats if possible. Also, I would prefer adhesive pads as it will probably end up on the back of my boy's terrarium.

 

[entomologic]

I use several of the BN-LINK self-adhesive heatmats paired with their cheaper thermostat just fine for different projects. I find the BN-Link thermostat can be off about ±3 degrees compared to an actual calibrated lab thermometer. One other thought is to attach the probe flush on the surface with silicone/aquarium glue instead of a suction cup. I don't use heat mats for hissers since I find they still breed and do well in a pretty wide range of temperatures.

 

[madagascarhissinglover]

Okay, third post I've made on this topic! Third time's the charm.. right?
I have found a couple more things that I would like to ask you all.

1. Do rheostats work fine for heating pads in your experience? I don't think using a thermostat is necessary for just my roaches, but I'll get one if you wouldn't recommend rheostats. I would of course get a thermometer to measure exactly what the rheostat is putting out, and be able to adjust it accordingly.
2. ZooMed products? I found a ZooMed heating pad + rheostat that I believe would work, as long as I know they are of somewhat good quality. I would appreciate any recommendations of other brands as well.

 

[NMTs]

Okay, third post I've made on this topic! Third time's the charm.. right?
I have found a couple more things that I would like to ask you all.

1. Do rheostats work fine for heating pads in your experience? I don't think using a thermostat is necessary for just my roaches, but I'll get one if you wouldn't recommend rheostats. I would of course get a thermometer to measure exactly what the rheostat is putting out, and be able to adjust it accordingly.
2. ZooMed products? I found a ZooMed heating pad + rheostat that I believe would work, as long as I know they are of somewhat good quality. I would appreciate any recommendations of other brands as well.

Rheostats work fine for limiting power delivered to resistive loads like heating pads, which is how you can control the heat output. The point of a thermostat, however, is not to control the heat output but to provide protection from overheating and keep a constant temperature should some condition change - like ambient temperature spiking or the heating pad putting out more heat than expected. If you have a rheostat, you can certainly adjust the heat output, but if you're not present to do so, then the heating pad will continue to put out just as much heat if the ambient temperature rises.

As for ZooMed products, they have worked well for me. I have ZooMed heating pads that I bought in the 90's that still work just fine...