lights or heat pad?

[cj_corns789]

I am going to the store soon to by either a heating light or a heat pad. But i dont know what one to get or what brand. Can someone plez give me the pros and cons on both of these items.

It would help greatly because based on what you guys and girls say i am going to get.

 

[Rachel]

From what I've head (and experienced) heat pads are the way to go.

My snakes tended to crawl up to the light and if they aren't housed in a light cage then you're snake could get burnt. Heat mats are also better cause the snake can lie in its hide and still get good heat from the UTH (hat pad). Just my opinion...

 

[CornCrazy]

I use under tank heaters for all of my snakes. They are very safe when used properly. It is important to use a thermostat or rheostat with them, however, to control how hot they get. They can burn the snake if not used with a correctly.

Another advantage is that they use less electricity than lights. I have around 30 enclosures heated with UTH's, and I have not noticed very much of an increase (if any) in my electric bill.

One more PRO for heat pads...they tend to not be as drying to the cornsnakes. With radient heat (lights), it is harder to keep the humidity at appropriate levels.

 

[GexTheGecko]

Yep a UTH is what I use as well. They look neater and my corn doesnt like bright light.

 

[CAV]

Try some of these for answers to your questions. Do a search for heat sources.

http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5591&highlight=heat+lamps

http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/sh...&perpage=10&highlight=heat lamps&pagenumber=2

http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5660&highlight=heat+lamps

 

[Canadain Eh?]

I don't know about heat pad. I'm having a few problems with mine. Pleas read my post in Missclainous Issues called problems.

 

[blito]

i have both!

personally i think that a UTH powerful enough to create a good temperature gradient will be too hot to the touch - making the glass of your tank too hot and thus presenting a burn problem for the snake should it make contact with the glass.
i prefer to use a low-wattage uth (7 watts in my case) with a 40watt blue heat lamp - creates a hot end temp of 85-95 degrees daytime high depending on the local weather.