Heating question :)

Im Looking to buy a corn snake more spesificly a oaketee. and i was wondering for the undertank heating mat, could a regular heating mat that is used for people be used but at a mediuim temputure? thanks for all you r help

I've got no idea what one of those is ....

But, if it keeps the viv at the correct temps, I don't see why not.

I wouldn't recommend a regular heating pad. From what I've read, they can get too hot. I don't know for sure as I've never tried using one, but that's what I've heard.

well a regular people heating pad works exactly the same way, the only difference is a UTH is designed to go under the tank it has adhesive to mount it on the bottom. A regular people one will definately work if you can make sure it stays put at the bottom, and You have a thermostat or rheostat to control it.

If you don't mind the increased risk of a fire hazard, you can be cheap and use the human heating pad, sure.

Seriously though, for anything other than a temporary measure, get the proper UTH. If you're skimping on the snake's care and home that much that you don't want to pay $20 for peace of mind and PROPER husbandry, then you might want to re-evaluate if you can properly care for a snake. Just a thought.

True...

a UTH cost about the same a regular one, if not cheaper. Check ebay first.

If you were to use a human heating pad, you would need to get the one that does not shut off automatically. I got one at Wal-mart for about $25. (I don't use it on my snakes. It is for me.) Plus they will shut off every time the power goes out and do not come back on when the power is restored like a UTH would. You would have to keep it on low to keep the temps from getting too hot. I do know that some people use human heating pads on snake tanks, but in my opinion, it isn't any cheaper and a whole lot more hassle. I'd just go with a regular UTH.

Human heating pads do fit properly undernieth tanks.. if you're worried about the little bit of extra height added to one side put a small stack of newspapers under the other half. Mine is set at medium and keeps temps pretty consistant.

600|) ||_|<|< \/\/17|-| 17, 17'|| \/\/0|2|< f1/\/3 :cheers:

Actually, many experienced keepers (or at least the ones I've spoke with) would recommend that you NOT stick the UTH to the bottom of the tank; there is supposed to be a small gap between the UTH and the bottom of the tank, otherwise the glass can get too hot.

As for the use of human heating pads, they have worked great for me and others I know. The UTHs made specifically for reptiles have been known to overheat, in one case yielding a cage floor temperature of 120 degrees and cracking the glass. Although I haven't heard of the human heating pads overheating, I'm sure it's possible, just as with the reptile UTHs. This is why, whether you use a heating pad or UTH, thermostats are a good idea.

I would definetally recomend a thermostat. You should use one with any under tank heating device, (UTH, human heateing pad or heat tape). As far as which one to use, i would use the UTH becasue there specificaly made for reptiles. And sometimes you can find them pretty inexpensive. Like my frien found a brand new one on eBay for $5.(it was still in the package, their lizard ecsaped before the could install it) Good luck!
john