Snake Tank heater?

Question

I have just purchased a flat pad style pad heater.
I need to know where or how these heater pads should be installed. should I...

A. Just put the heater pad under the news paper liner on the
bottom of the tank? if so
Is direct contact with the paper liner on top of the pad a
hazzard?

B. Put the element under the tank glass bottom? if so
How do I hold the heater pad up aginst the glass bottom?
Will a piece of thin (1/8") piece of plywood between the stand
and tank hold it?
The heater pad came with rubber stand off pads. Does this
mean that it has to be placed with air space below pad?


fyi - snake is a 5 yr old corn aprox. 46" lg., Tank is 55 gal. all glass

Thanks

Keith

Answer 1

You should put it under the glass of the tank so there is much less risk of the snake burning himself. A heat rock would be better, if you are able to get one.

Answer 2

If you have substrate, the snake will set in the substrate, not underneath it, allowing the heater to heat the area without the snake having direct contact. Think of it like sitting by a fire, but you don't have to touch the fire to be warm enough. Add more substrate if you're still concerned, or to a thinner cut so she has more layers within the substrate to move. Make sure you have a hide on the warm side that is not so low she has the very-hot contact with the heater. If she has to choose between too hot and too cold, she might be willing to burn herself, so ensure there are mediums in the temperature for her and she'll be okay to find the spot she needs. Also, as a side suggestion, adding shade is a nice way to give the snake more options. They will typically avoid uncovered locations for long periods of time. Perhaps she will want to be on the warmer side, but not so close to the heated ground, but doesn't want to be on top of branches/rocks where she feels exposed.

Answer 3

The rule of thumb is: heat mats go UNDER glass tanks, INSIDE wooden vivariums.

It's important to leave air flow over/under the mat; don't sandwich it tightly between the tank and the surface as this could cause overheating. Be sure to have it on a thermostat and check your temps inside the tank with a digital thermometer; otherwise, heat mats usually get way too hot and your snake could be cooked.

EDIT: Just read the answer below mine, and heat rocks are EXTREMELY dangerous and should never ever be used with snakes.

Answer 4

We use a standard human heating pad, under the tank, on one side. That will give your herp a warm side and a cool side so he can self regulate temperature.

I would put it under the tank to make sure you don't start a fire with your substrate or burn the snake. They take to temperature the way kids use lighters on each others rear ends in school- no heat for a few moments, but when it does hit, it lasts for a little bit.

Answer 5

If it's the kind of heater I'm thinking it is, you should be able to peel of a cover and stick under the tank where you want it. the stand-off pads are for the corners of your enclosure.

As for where to put it, you want a hot and cold side for the enclosure so that the snake can go to get warm or cool as needed.

Answer 6

Instructions should be on the packaging or you could contact the pet shop, employees should be able to help you with any questions you may have. If you have what I'm thinking you do, just put it under the tank. If you put it in the tank, the snake could find a way to get directly on it and you'll have a burnt snake.

Answer 7

they are right, the pad needs to be stuck under the tank,which is the hot side,you have to have a thermostat connected to the pad,if not the pad can get up to 115 degrees.with the thermostat you can regulate the temp down to the right temp for your snake needs.and the plastic pads that comes with it,is so the tank doesn't sit on the cord,each one goes on the lip of the bottom of the tank,your tank will lean to one side

Answer 8

Put it under the glass. If it won't peel off then fix the edges with electrical tape. I agree with the glass=under wood = inside answer.

Let me second the idea of NO HOT ROCKS! They are great until they malfunction. When they do, they will get cool on the edges and hot enough to harm your snake in the middle. Your snake won't notice until it is too late.

Good luck!

Answer 9

hey I have the same thing... I put mine outside the tank under the log... so that way it will keep it warm where he sleeps. it will heat thru the glass... and there should be sticky stuff on the pad to keep it stuck to the glass. if not you should be able to just put it there ... it will stay b/c of the weight of the tank.