Attaching heat mat with blue tac?

[Dakota_Ghost]

Hi all,

I was just wondering, is it ok and safe to attach a heat mat with a few bits of blue tac to secure it to the underneath of my glass viv? The exo-terra viv I have is raised slightly off the ground, to allow for proper air flow. So at the moment I have placed the heat mat under the viv, on the table which it stands upon. However, I’m finding that maybe if I secure the heat mat to the glass, then more heat will be passed through to the tank. It’s kind of hard to explain. I would just like to know if blue tac/ white tac is ok to use? I was thinking of placing a few bits on each corner. It says in the installation instruction to use strong adhesive tape, however, I don't have any right at the moment.

Dakota

 

[thestack510]

I would avoid using any tacks to secure the UTH. I'm having a hard time visualizing how this would work, but metal tacks + electric UTH = possible fire hazard. Do not puncture the UTH. The safest thing to do IMO is to get some black electrical tape and use that to secure the UTH where you want it.

 

[latshki]

I think he meant sticky tac as in the putty stuff
but I agree, you should use the metal tape or electrical tape

 

[thestack510]

Ah, I gotcha. The colors made me think of thumb tacks. lol duh. I still would opt for the electrical tape. I think the putty will lose it's tackiness in time where the tape will last longer.

 

[Dakota_Ghost]

Ah, I gotcha. I still would opt for the electrical tape.

Yeah, I meant the stick tac stuff you stick posters on the wall with etc. The instructions that came with the UTH say to avoid using electrical tape :/

 

[Pillsy]

Best way to go is to use aluminum foil tape.

 

[LizMarie]

I use Duct Tape.. While that blue tac thing seems like a good idea I have two or three packs holding up a 6'x4' Hairspray poster and it doesn't stay up. I even tried to hold old up the background on my tank and it didn't stay up too long.

 

[thestack510]

The instructions that came with the UTH say to avoid using electrical tape :/

I guess that's out. Duct tape sounds doable.

 

[Ratman667]

heater duct foil tape. its meant to be used around, well heater ducts... so it should hold up pretty good

 

[gothra]

I don't tape the heat mat to the bottom of my tanks. The weight of the tanks are enough to hold the heat mat in place.

 

[Dakota_Ghost]

I don't tape the heat mat to the bottom of my tanks. The weight of the tanks are enough to hold the heat mat in place.

Ah righty. Hmmm, so the UTH is directly between the underneath of the tank and the surface you have it on? Personally, I'd raise the tank up a little to allow for proper air flow, otherwise the UTH is in risk of over heating. :/

 

[Dakota_Ghost]

As for Duct Tape, I agree I think that's the best option. I'll have to look for some in a hardware store soon! Thanks guys

 

[SLB1989]

I just use sellotape to tape the heatmats down.

 

[leonewbie]

I would worry about the heat from the uth melting the sticky tack...use aluminum tape or duct tape

 

[MeiK]

Aluminum tape... We've used it for UTHs - it's made for everything from fireplace ducting to central air stuff... It's hella expensive - but it's probably the best bet. No way it'll burn.

 

[OhMyGecko]

so you guys never peal the paper and actually stick it to the tank? could you just leave the paper thingy on it and slide it under a tank?

 

[BalloonzForU]

heater duct foil tape. its meant to be used around, well heater ducts... so it should hold up pretty good

This is the best stuff to use. The reason why they say don't use electrical tape is the glue on the electrical tape becomes more of a gewy mess when heated for long periods of time and won't hold. The foil tape however has never failed me. :main_thumbsup:

 

[Dakota_Ghost]

so you guys never peal the paper and actually stick it to the tank? could you just leave the paper thingy on it and slide it under a tank?

Some UTH don't have this. Some don't have means of attaching them.

Dakota

 

[leoman777]

yes you can just leave the paper on the back and slide it under. thats what i do with mine and if you peel it off it could get ruined.