Under tank heater?

[NikkiC223]

I just got my leo and I was wondering if I was able to use an under tank heater on hard plastic? Thats the material of the tank and the bottom. Its not a normal glass tank so I wasn't sure if I was able to use one or if it wasn't safe on the hard plastic. Thanks!

It says nothing about not using on plastic for a mini UTH (5 gallons), but for a small UTH (10-20 gallon) it says not to put it on plastic. Since I have a 20 gallon, can i just get 2 UTH?

 

[cassicat4]

Depends on the type of plastic, but many plastics (for e.g. those used in sterilite and rubbermaid) have an extremely high melting point, with a minimum of around 200F but more often around 300F+. A UTH could be used without issue on these types of containers.

The danger in using UTH on plastics with a lower melting point is that the plastic could melt and/or release toxic fumes. Without a dimmer or thermostat, some UTHs can reach up to 130F, which has the potential to melt certain kinds of plastic materials.

However, with the temps you'll be using (less than 100F) I wouldn't expect it to be an issue. Again though, it depends on the material of the enclosure.

I would suspect if it was designed specifically for reptiles/amphibians/fish that a UTH would not pose a problem.

 

[DrCarrotTail]

Yah as cassi said it depends on the plastic. Not sure I would use one on a critter keeper or something similar but my rack has heat tape under sterilite shoeboxes with no problem so far. If I were you I might just spring the $15 for a 10 gallon tank...

 

[NikkiC223]

Thanks! Its hard plastic, like molded plastic. Its not handmade, its an actual reptile cage. I just didn't want to take the chance of it possibly melting or causing a problem with my Leo. Its definitely not the kind of plastic in a cricket keeper...much much thicker than that. Maybe I'll try it out or when I get it, I'll double check and ask someone at the store. Do you recommend the zoo med UTH? Thats the only one I know of but if there is a different brand thats is better, please let me know and I will look into it! THanks again!

 

[NikkiC223]

Also, can I use a UTH if I decide to switch to tile or slate? Is it safe to put the UTH under the tile?

 

[Ghostoftangerine17]

I used a hard plastic, cheap critter keeper at first and it had no problems with the UTH. My room is rather cold though and there was a 1cm gap between the bottom and the UTH.

Don't think it'll be an issue for you though. Just monitor it when you start using it.

 

[NikkiC223]

Ok great, thanks for your help! I'll try it out and see how it is!

 

[NikkiC223]

I used a hard plastic, cheap critter keeper at first and it had no problems with the UTH. My room is rather cold though and there was a 1cm gap between the bottom and the UTH.

Don't think it'll be an issue for you though. Just monitor it when you start using it.

If I use an UTH, do I still need to use his ceramic heater that is sitting on top of his home?