Heat mats on plastic cages

[EricM]

Hey guys,

I'm new to this forum and just had a quick simple question. In order to save money and space, I was going to get rid of my big glass aquariums and move towards Rubbermaid bins as a way of keeping my geckos.

My only question is, is it safe to attach the adhesive side of a heat mat directly to the bottom of a Rubbermaid bin or will it melt, warp, or ruin the bottom of the bin? I'm only asking because I already have heat mats and want to take them off the aquariums and mount them to the bottom of the bins.

If anyone has any other heating tips or personal experience with this, I would appreciate any and all advice....


Great forums and thanks in advance,

Eric M

 

[Haligren]

Firstly, welcome to GF, Eric!

And to answer your question, from my experience working at a pet store, the heat pads WILL melt plastic. Especially if insulated as in if the heat mat is on the floor or anything that conducts heat well and is adhered to your plastic bin.

Heat tape might be more up your alley. I've seen people use those with plastic.

 

[acpart]

I don't think heat mats will melt the plastic as long as you have a thermostat with them to keep the temperature in the low 90's. Many people who keep their geckos in plastic tubs in racks use heat tape as mentioned above. I have heard enough stories of hot spots on the heat tape to keep me away from that. I use zoo-med heat cable on many of my tanks and I think that could work, but, again, I'd recommend using thermostats.

Aliza