Reptiles need a heat source not only to keep warm. They also require heat to maintain their body functions such as digesting food, excreting waste and improve circulation and respiration systems.
And one of the most effective methods to provide heat for your terrarium is using under tank heater for reptiles.
But if you have ever used a heating pad before, there are many questions might come to your mind. This post is some common questions about under tank heater that will help you get to know about it.
Are heat pads for reptiles safe?
If you observe the following guidelines, the heat pad is completely safe to use for your reptile’s tank:
Reading the instruction carefully before installing your heat pads.
Placing the heat pads outside your closure, at the bottom of the tank. There is a risk of burning the substrate or overheat your pet if you place the hat pads inside the tank.
Ensure that you will disconnect the heat pad and the power supply before you clean the tank.
Using the thermostat to control and monitor the heat pads.
Do reptiles need any light if there is a heat pad in the tank?
Even when you are using the best reptile heating pad, you also need to provide the light for your reptiles. Reptiles need the UVA and UVB light to survive in the enclosure.
There are also some species of reptile do not need UVB light, but they also need the daylight to maintain their day and night time cycle.
Should you use a heat pad for plastic terrarium?
No, you should not. Plastic really easy to get melt if the temperature is increasing suddenly.
You are recommended to use the heat pad for glass or wooden tanks. The plastic tank is not really durable and tend to turn yellow over time or when it meets the heat.