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Help With Flexwatt.

I

ironliver316

New member
Hi. I'm planning on getting my first snake and have constructed my own cage. I've done research on the different products to heat the cage and decided to go with Flexwatt due to its cheap price. (I'm kind of broke from the rest of the material for the cage.)

I ordered 2 pieces of the 11" wide. I recently got around to wiring it up. I have it inside the cage covered by a Zilla terrarium liner. I have the thermostat probe directly on the liner, and set at 90 degrees. I've tested the surface with a digital thermometer and its working fine, staying around 90. But when I raise the thermometer probe about an inch to measure the air temp, I'm only getting 78 - 80 degrees. Is that how it should be? I had it in my head most of the area on the heated side would rise to 90.

The bottom of the cage seems to be getting pretty warm as well as the top of the dresser I have it sitting on. The bottom of the cage is 3/4 melamine. Is there anything I can put under the flexwatt to stop the heat from passing through the bottom, thereby sending it up where is should be? I've already tried aluminum foil which I didn't think would work, but it was worth a shot.
 
I'm not sure about Flexwatt, but try looking in the DIY thread and take a look at some of the directions that use Flexwatt.
Maybe put a piece of rubber matting or something under the tank?
Also, the Flexwatt being inside the enclosure could result in burns since they like to burrow under things.
Just some ideas. :D
These guys that do a lot of DIY stuff could help you out.
 
The Flexwatt should be inside the cage just like you have it. Some people will use Aluminum Foil Tape to attach it to the cage floor to help protect it from abrasion. Your temps are about right, I keep mine at 85*. The snake can lay on the heat if it needs more heat and move off it when he is warm enough.

Don’t worry about the air temp being cooler. That is normal. You should have you thermostat probe directly on or in the substrate because that is the temperature the snake will be experiencing.

The Bean Farm has some good instructions on how to wire and set up Flexwatt if you are unsure.
http://www.beanfarm.com/store/agora.cgi

Good luck.
 
Just thinking out loud, but what may happen when (not if) water is spilled inside the cage?
Electricity + water = :shrugs:

Everything else sounds pretty good.

D80
 
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