motleycorn1
New member
I just built a custom cage using melamine. The problem is how to heat the cage properly. I still want to use some sort of heating pad but not sure if this will be safe and efficient. Any suggestions?
-
Hello!
Either you have not registered on this site yet, or you are registered but have not logged in. In either case, you will not be able to use the full functionality of this site until you have registered, and then logged in after your registration has been approved.
Registration is FREE, so please register so you can participate instead of remaining a lurker....
Please be certain that the location field is correctly filled out when you register. All registrations that appear to be bogus will be rejected. Which means that if your location field does NOT match the actual location of your registration IP address, then your registration will be rejected.
Sorry about the strictness of this requirement, but it is necessary to block spammers and scammers at the door as much as possible.
Melamine Cage
- Thread starter motleycorn1
- Start date
bitsy
Owned by Corns since 1991
Most of my setups are melamine and I use UTHs with all of them.
You can use a UTH outside the tank, underneath it. Just make sure that the weight of the tank isn't resting on the UTH and that there is a little airflow over the surface to prevent overheating. I make a mat of taped together cork floor or wall tiles the size of the tank, then cut out a section the size/shape of the UTH. Put the mat in the cutout and place the tank on top of the mat. Put the thermostat probe inside the tank, on the floor immediately above the UTH's position. The heat from the UTH comes through the melamine floor without any problems.
You can also use the UTH inside the tank, although I avoid this when possible due to the risk of snakes pooping on it and causing a short. Cover the surface of the mat with something like a layer of loose ceramic wall tiles, which conduct heat well. I also add extra shielding over the point where the cable joins the mat, as this will be most at risk from any contact with moisture. Put the thermostat probe immediately on top of the ceramic tiles.
You can use a UTH outside the tank, underneath it. Just make sure that the weight of the tank isn't resting on the UTH and that there is a little airflow over the surface to prevent overheating. I make a mat of taped together cork floor or wall tiles the size of the tank, then cut out a section the size/shape of the UTH. Put the mat in the cutout and place the tank on top of the mat. Put the thermostat probe inside the tank, on the floor immediately above the UTH's position. The heat from the UTH comes through the melamine floor without any problems.
You can also use the UTH inside the tank, although I avoid this when possible due to the risk of snakes pooping on it and causing a short. Cover the surface of the mat with something like a layer of loose ceramic wall tiles, which conduct heat well. I also add extra shielding over the point where the cable joins the mat, as this will be most at risk from any contact with moisture. Put the thermostat probe immediately on top of the ceramic tiles.
Marica
New member
I had some custom tanks built for me by someone else last year and he installed Flexwatt inside the melamine tanks and covered them with linoleum. However, the lino above the heat tape feels loose, but is glued down on the other areas of the floor. Just make sure to seal along the crease of the lino and the sides well with caulk/silicone to keep moisture (spills/urates) from coming into contact with the heat source. I'm also planning on making some more enclosures myself this summer, but will be using the Ultratherm heat pads mentioned above.
BTW...there's a great sub-forum on here under the 'Husbandry and Basic Care' forum dedicated to 'DIY Projects' where members have posted their projects or helpful tips.
BTW...there's a great sub-forum on here under the 'Husbandry and Basic Care' forum dedicated to 'DIY Projects' where members have posted their projects or helpful tips.