Missymonkey
New member
I am setting up my tank for the two corns I am getting this summer, and was testing out temperatures and stuff. I have a light and an under the tank heating mat. (specificaly for reptile stuff it's not like a heating pad for when you have a cough or somehting) I stuck the pad to the bottom of the tank (ten gallon) and it covers about a third of the tank. I also have a shop light. So I was checking the temp with some thermometers on and in hte substrate (reptile bark) and in the hiding cave and all over the tank (I am trying to be cautious and prepared, I am also a bit antsy and impatient about waiting for the corns to hatch) So my problem is that when I test the temp above the heating mat but under the substrate it's really hot, just above a hundred degrees. Which confuses the bejeezes out of me because every shop in town sells them and in all different sizes so I imagine that people are using them. The temp above the substrate over the mat is around ninety degrees, and the rest of the tank stays between 70 and 80/85 degrees. I tested with and without the light over the tank and this seems to make little affect on the heating mat. And the heating mat doesn't have a thermostat, which I cannot find around town, and can't afford to spend a weeks worth of groceries to buy.
I would appreciate any advice. If I use only a light to heat my tank, what do you sugguest at night which won't be a nuissance for me and my hubby while we are sleeping (we will be sharring the room with our new snake friends) and is somewhat cat friendly (she is young and curious I don't suspect any trouble but it is something to keep in mind, I don't want her walking on any part of the heating mat which might stick out from under the tank)
Do you guys use heating mats? If not what? any advice is welcome, I can still return the darned mat sometime this week if need be.
Thanks
somewhat overly protective and worriesome Missy
I would appreciate any advice. If I use only a light to heat my tank, what do you sugguest at night which won't be a nuissance for me and my hubby while we are sleeping (we will be sharring the room with our new snake friends) and is somewhat cat friendly (she is young and curious I don't suspect any trouble but it is something to keep in mind, I don't want her walking on any part of the heating mat which might stick out from under the tank)
Do you guys use heating mats? If not what? any advice is welcome, I can still return the darned mat sometime this week if need be.
Thanks
somewhat overly protective and worriesome Missy