Ok I'm new to scorpions, and i got some questions about heat tape. Everything I've read suggests that heat tape is the best way to keep your tanks or enclosures warm, and I need to know where to get it, how to wire it, and how else it works, and pretty much anything else about it. Please some one give me a hand here seeing as how winter is comming and the temperature is starting to drop.
Questions about heat tape
- Thread starter Spanks
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heat tape and pads are sold in many pet shops. do take in to account that scorpions burrow to escape heat so attachign it to the side or back of the tank might be better then placeign them under the tank liek they are designed for
Spanks said:
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Well, google works, as does tall search functions, but I'll still help you out.
"I need to know where to get it"
http://www.beanfarm.com/heating/2.html
Or Reptile shows, I get the stuff @ All Ohio for $4/ft (11"), no shipping etc.
"how to wire it"
http://dwightgood.com/snakes/flexwatt.htm
http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/flexwire.shtml
"and how else it works"
It makes heat. Be careful putting stuff directly on top of it (as seen from the second how to wire link's link), maybe use a dimmer, might as well, wiring directions up there for that too on the first one.
" and pretty much anything else about it. "
I've been using it exclusively for 3 years without problems, in about a dozen different applications, all for the grand total of < $20 (only have 4' of it) plus electricity costs. Get some ASAP, dimmer from a hardware store, and hack up any old wiring/switch and solder and insulate them to the stuff. Be careful, or maybe even buy the "clips" if you are inexperienced with wiring.
Cheers
Jon
Cheers
Jon
"I need to know where to get it"
http://www.beanfarm.com/heating/2.html
Or Reptile shows, I get the stuff @ All Ohio for $4/ft (11"), no shipping etc.
"how to wire it"
http://dwightgood.com/snakes/flexwatt.htm
http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/flexwire.shtml
"and how else it works"
It makes heat. Be careful putting stuff directly on top of it (as seen from the second how to wire link's link), maybe use a dimmer, might as well, wiring directions up there for that too on the first one.
" and pretty much anything else about it. "
I've been using it exclusively for 3 years without problems, in about a dozen different applications, all for the grand total of < $20 (only have 4' of it) plus electricity costs. Get some ASAP, dimmer from a hardware store, and hack up any old wiring/switch and solder and insulate them to the stuff. Be careful, or maybe even buy the "clips" if you are inexperienced with wiring.
Cheers
Jon
Cheers
Jon
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2004
- Messages
- 258
You can even order it online if your local petstores don't carry it. 
http://www.bigappleherp.com/Reptile_Supplies/Product/Heat_Tape_119105.html#descriptionLink
Here's what it looks like and about what it goes for.
Question: can you use a heat rock, like they use with reptiles? Heat tape can cause fires, so would the rock be safer? :?
http://www.bigappleherp.com/Reptile_Supplies/Product/Heat_Tape_119105.html#descriptionLink
Here's what it looks like and about what it goes for.
Question: can you use a heat rock, like they use with reptiles? Heat tape can cause fires, so would the rock be safer? :?
- Joined
- Sep 26, 2004
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IMO, a rock is about 100x more dangerous (to animals and fire hazard) than tape.
Anything "CAN" cause fires, tape is not common to cause fires, or it wouldn't be on the market.
Heat rocks are very hot or spotty in my experiences, and you have the problem of running a cord into the cage. They are outdated IMO, 80's herp. technology that wasn't all that useful. Many larger snakes get burns from them, and I can't imagine a scorpion that wouldn't perish if perched upon it, and using it as radiant heat is not effective.
Between lighting and heat tape, there is no room for any other implementation for heating for any animals. Each is so cheap and safe when used correctly, and provide perfect results (for me).
Anything "CAN" cause fires, tape is not common to cause fires, or it wouldn't be on the market.
Heat rocks are very hot or spotty in my experiences, and you have the problem of running a cord into the cage. They are outdated IMO, 80's herp. technology that wasn't all that useful. Many larger snakes get burns from them, and I can't imagine a scorpion that wouldn't perish if perched upon it, and using it as radiant heat is not effective.
Between lighting and heat tape, there is no room for any other implementation for heating for any animals. Each is so cheap and safe when used correctly, and provide perfect results (for me).
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One easy way to heat a lot of cages with a single strip is to mount the tape on the wall behind the shelf where the cages are placed. That way, you don't have to have anything attached to the cage itself and you can just push the cage against the tape. IME, a dimmer doesn't seem to be needed when using the tape from the side.
Wade
Wade
mostasteless
Arachnopeon
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- Apr 21, 2003
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Can the tape be placed directly on the side/top of a critter keeper or would I run the risk of melting it?
- Joined
- Sep 26, 2004
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Tape is not hot enough to melt anything that I have come accross.
However, heat w/ insulation may create an excess of heat, beyond the normal surface temp of the tape, so be careful with that.
It is only like 110-120* F on the surface, and it has a nice large SA.
Cheers
Jon
However, heat w/ insulation may create an excess of heat, beyond the normal surface temp of the tape, so be careful with that.
It is only like 110-120* F on the surface, and it has a nice large SA.
Cheers
Jon