UTH and tank setup help

[MongooseALaMode]

My first question: does anyone have experience with non adhesive heater? I have had under tank heaters and they are fine but expensive. I have had some die after being off for a month, I had one not stick no matter what I did, and had one warp so much that less than half was actually attached. I've heard of people using electric heating pads like you would use for muscle aches but I haven't found much about it. are there any alternatives or should I stick with UTH? and if so, what size would I use for the new tank(info below)?

I have two leopard geckos who used to live together but quickly grew out of the original tank and were obviously not having it. This is their temporary housing - each in her own 10g.


Today I got a 36x18x18. I am trying to figure out how to arrange the new tank so they can have enough space to separate if they want to.

For size comparison the log in this tank fits snugly in the width of the 10g.
I was thinking about putting the heater in the center so theoretically they could each have their own side... But then I thought about bathroom area and thought maybe put the heater 5 or so inches off one side so I can set up an "outhouse" box that is away from food and water.

Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

TIA
-Mongoose

 

[J&M UNE]

Heat tape or Ultratherm heat pads are my favorite.. Both must still be use with a thermostat

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[Neon Aurora]

If you want something non-adhesive and less expensive, go with heat tape ($5 or so a foot, MUST be used with a thermostat). Heat pads meant for muscle aches are not designed to be on all the time and pose a fire hazard.

For housing geckos together in the same tank, the best thing to do is set it up like you normally would with a heating source taking up about 1/3 of the tank. Then you should have two of each hides. 2 warm, 2 cool, and 2 humid. This is the best way to make sure your geckos can get enough space.

 

[MongooseALaMode]

Would the heat tape be something I could place in the tank under the tile or does it have to be attached to the underside of the glass?

 

[Neon Aurora]

Well you really shouldn't put anything between the tile and the glass. That's dangerous (fire hazard) and most heating elements you buy will put a warning about leaving enough space between two surfaces so it does no overheat.

Heat tape is non-adhesive. Usually people use it for racks. The heat tape is secured to the rack using aluminum tape and the tubs are placed on top of it. Honestly, I prefer heat pads for tanks, but if I were to use heat tape, I would probably tape it to the underside of the tank with aluminum tape.

ReptileBasics also sells good heat pads, and they also sell heat tape. You could go on their website and take a took for yourself.

Now that I'm thinking about it, that tank looks pretty large. Heat tape is sold by the foot and is typically not that wide, so I'm not sure how much trouble you would have getting it to fit the area you want it too.

IMO, the only safe options for heating leopard geckos are heat tape and heat pads, both designed for reptiles and both run on a thermostat.

 

[J&M UNE]

I use the 11inch wide heat tape on my bigger display cages and it works amazing.. I have also used the Ultratherms the same way..it's just more cost effective to use heat tape with multiple cages..both can be bought from reptile basics

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[MongooseALaMode]

Thanks for all the info! The tank is pretty big... I could probably curl up in it and still have wiggle room.
I think I'll look into the heat tape. I looked at a few adhesive UTHs and the dimensions are so odd. The large is thinner but longer which would have to go length wise and I wouldn't want for this tank, and the medium wouldn't cover enough space.