Heat lamps VS. Under Tank Heaters

Hi guys,
I'm fairly new to snakes, and thinking of getting a cornsnake sometime after Christmas. I've been doing lots of research, but the only thing people don't agree on our heating methods. I've heard lots of good thinks about the heating pads for under the tank, but there are many people who swear by heat lamps. I'd really appreciate anything you know about heating, especially if you've tried both types of heat and/or have tips for me.

Thanks,
Jenni

I'm no pro, but I would go with under tank heaters. Corns are crepuscular or nocturnal (there was a thread on that). Either way, they wouldn't be at a time where there's a lot of sun out. Rather, they'd get their heat from sun warmed objects like rocks. But don't use a heat rock either. It's just more natural. On the other hand, living in a viv with food coming at a scheduled time isn't exactly natural, either.

Hm... One thing from me: If you put a rheo/thermostat on a heat rock, is it okay? I don't use one, but I've been kind of mixed up about that for a while.

I would go with the Heat Mat on 1 side of the tank/viv if you get the mat, make sure you tape it securely to the bottom of the viv/tank because most mats are sharp and we dont want your snake cutting himself on the corners of the mat, they usually sleep under the mat if it isnt taped down

I use UTHs and they work beautifully. Just make you get a thermostat too 'cause they might get too hot. With lamps you run the risk of hatchlings climbing up to the top of the cage and burning themselves by sitting right under the lamp.

Another tip... a lot of breeders brumate their snakes during the winter. So if you wait till late spring or summer you will have a larger selection of snakes because that's when they start to hatch. Unless of course you're not picky about what kind of snake you're getting.

Oh yeah, I also forgot to add that lamps also make it harder to maintain proper humidity, as it dries out the air.

There also shouldn't be any problems with one with burns, though. I don't know anybody who puts their lamps INSIDE the viv. I've seen them put outside the viv, with screen between it and the snake.

C0rn_Sn@ke, I've never seen a heat pad that has really sharp edges. Mine have all rounded edges. What brand do you use?

The age old debate...

Lamps can be made to work, but the preferred method of heating a tank is to use an under tank heater. UTHs get the heat down where the snake needs it, they don't dry the air like lamps do, they are easier to regulate, and seem to be more energy efficient. Since corns come out when the sun goes down, they don't need UV light or really light of any kind. Those of us who light our tanks do so that we may see the snake better. The snake will do fine in ambient room light.

Whichever one you choose, you will need to take precautions so that your snake does not get burned. A lamp or a UTH will need either a thermostat or rheostat to keep from getting too hot. A lamp will also need a guard of some sort so that the snake cannot contact it.

C0rn_Sn@ke said:

if you get the mat, make sure you tape it securely to the bottom of the viv/tank because most mats are sharp

Click to expand...

Never use tape inside the viv. If a snake gets himself stuck, it can be bad indeed. Also, the U in UTH stands for under. That means it goes under the tank, not inside.

No idea what brand, my mum got it ill look later

And i use a special kind of tape VERY sticky and its very thin so the snake cant move on it and drag the tape off,

...But the stickier it is, the more likely the snake will get stuck and stuffs. I dunno. Maybe it's impossible to peel off the ground. But corns are stronger than you might think, and if there's a way, they'll find it.

*slaps forehead*

Argh! I have electrical tape in my tank! It's holding down the thermometer probe. I'm going to remove it when I get home, becuase I forgot the 'no tape' rule. And here I thought I was paying attention!!!!

I'm glad this thread came up, before FinFang got suck or something.

various, i love that pic. can you post a link?

now for the topic: I have an UTH which is nice because she can go directly on the glass and warm up or stay on top and still get warm since I have her log on the warm side so she can hide in there. I dont think a light would be really effective since they like to hide or are nocturnal.