Fluker's UTH safety?

[Jaiden23]

I've searched the forums but haven't been able to find the answer... so hopefully I'm not driving you all insane with a question you've already seen

I am currently using Fluker's Ultra-Deluxe Premium Heat Mat for my tank. The instruction booklet that comes with the UTH states that this mat is safe for use with both glass and plastic tanks. It also states to put a thin sheet of polystyrene insulation underneath the mat, so it sits: tank>mat>sheet.

This particular mat does not include a sticky side, so i can not stick it to the underside of my tank, therefore all of this is laying directly ontop of my wooden bookcase. I'm not so worried about heat damage to the bookcase (I'm in need of a bigger one anyway) but I am very worried about the risk of fire.

Does anyone have experience with the Fluker's UTH and am I just being foolish by worrying about it since I have followed the given instructions?:main_huh:

 

[downthebeatenpath]

I have never used Fluker heat pads I use zoomed, regardless, having the heat pad like the can not be good. The hot air has no where to escape, which could lead to fire, even the tank cracking.

 

[Jaiden23]

I was afraid of that. Of course this is the only one my local petstore sells :main_rolleyes: or I would have gone with a zoomed myself. Looks like I need to be finding a way to get the mat mounted and to get the tank raised.

 

[downthebeatenpath]

Yeah that is very odd that the heater has no way of attaching itself to the tank.

 

[acpart]

With my zoomed UTH's I tape them to the underside of the tank with duct tape or other tape and use a piece of aluminum foil underneath. Then I vent for heat below the aluminum foil.

Aliza

 

[Arctic16]

Tape a beer bottle cap to each corner and it'll sit high. That's what I did!

 

[Jaiden23]

haha, I never would have thought to use bottle caps but I have plenty of 'em laying around at the moment (4th of July party :main_laugh: ).

I was debating on using duct tape for the mat, but I wasn't sure if the adhesive would melt. Now that I know it will hold up, I'll go ahead and get my system up off that bookcase.

Thanks for the help, everyone. I'll have one less thing to worry about as a new owner now

 

[brad.a.c]

Yeah, I've never seen a Fluker's UTH b/4, I use Zoo-Med also, (even though I still have to get one for my little guy but I have Zoo-Meds that aren't the right size for a 20 long). But I'm not saying that Fluker's are bad, I've just never seen any. But I do think that Zoo-Meds are actually pretty good UTHs. :main_yes:

 

[Gecko Ranch]

I always refer folks to the Bean Farm http://www.beanfarm.com for any heating stuff as they are the experts on this, have been since I started Gecko Ranch in 1993. I asked them about UTHs, they recommend the Ultratherm brand.