Acrylic cage and tank heater

[Wachee]

I purchased an acrylic cage and then I purchased an under tank heater made by Zoo Med. I never thought about not being able to use it with the acrylic tank. When I open the packaged and read the insert I then discovered that the makes state "Do not use on wood, plastic, acrylic..." I have other makes of tank heaters on other acrylic tanks and have never experienced a problem.

The tank size is 30"L x 12"W x 13"H and I got the heater for a 10-20 gal terrarium.

Has anyone used this heater on acrylic?

 

[Bobo's Mama]

I once used a small UTH on an acrylic "Kritter Keeper" cage. It warped it slightly, but didn't actually melt it. I'd think you would have a similar experience with a bigger cage and bigger UTH. I would recommend not attaching it directly to the cage, but to a ceramic floor tile, and then have the cage set on top of that. The tile would help disperse the heat.

 

[Wachee]

Excellent idea!!! thank you.

 

[kimbyra]

YOu can use Zoomed Mini size (4watt I think) on plastic, but not th ebigger sizes. I have them on 9 acrylic hatchling cages, and that size works fine. The instrucitions of the smaller size says that you can use the mini size on plastic. I would love to get some big acrylics! I never thought of this problem. I may use a tile myself one day.

 

[Wachee]

Here is where I got the acrylic cage http://www.bigappleherp.com/bigappl...74006ce93e271d424d361a0622+EN/products/100095 I like it because they are so light. I am going get some tile and try it tomorrow. I just never thought about it getting so warm that if might cause damage to the cage. I also read on the insert that if water gets on the bottom of glass cage it can cause a stress fractures.