Trouble getting Showcase Cage heated up.

[Snowysmom]

Hello there-

If anyone has a Showcase Cage, maybe you could please help me? I have a heat bulb of 100watts and tried a 150 watt, but they get a great basking spot, but do not heat the rest of the warm side above 77,either one. The Showcase Cage comes with already designated screened places on the top for lights and heat and a place in the hot section for a heat pad beneath.

My 2 options are to get a heat pad and thermostat, but really need to have these be very reliable and safe for me to buy. I also am going to try placing a Zilla hallogen bulb in the mini dome to put at the end of the UVB strip area in the hot end. The mini dome does fit in the strip as they are onlt 3.5" circumference.

So, if any of you have some working ideas for me, I would be very appreciative. My Merauke is 14" long and a big girl and needs to get in her new home asap. I was injured a few weeks ago and so this has been delayed before this little set back with the heat I now have. I feel so bad for her.

Thanks guys. Have a great week-

Cathy and Snowy

[MechHAN]

heating pad is safe for me,I use it more than a a year,they are really not that hot,and you can by the ones that adjustable...

[Susann]

As far as I know, reptile heat pads, heat tape, and heat cord are not supposed to be used on plastic tanks, but I have not looked into all the options out there, so if someone knows of a brand that is suggested for use on plastic, please let us know.
After having a heat pad malfunction after moving it from glass to plastic, I've not felt confident in using them, even with a thermostat. I might feel differently if I was dealing with the thin plastic of rack-type bins, but not the thicker PVC-type plastic. But that's just me personally.

[splashy07]

I'm with you, Susann, I ruined a nice Neodesha with a heat pad that was supposed to be safe with that sort of thing, so I was told. This was a long time ago when there were not many other heating options for our reptiles. I think overhead lighting/heating is best for lizards anyway, I've never used nighttime heating but if it does get a bit chilly in your place at night I'd look into a night bulb or heat emitter for overhead use. Don't some of those type cages come with heat tape installed? Thought they did, was looking into for my boas but decided to purchase another rack. Good luck!