undertank heating of vision cages

[Chasen]

I just got a new vision cage and since I like to provide belly heat for my Bluey I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with this? I don't want to use a human heating pad and have been told it's ok to use zoo med (even though they recommend using on glass only). Would like some input before I purchase something. Any thoughts?? Thanx all

[Chasen]

No one has anything to share on this question??

[Dakota]

No one has anything to share on this question??

Wait until everyone is off work-- I'm sure someone has some input.

[Chasen]

Thanx for your reply. There were lots of views on this post, but no replies. I was just a bit impatient as I wanted to order something (which I ended up doing) Thanx again.

[Toria Dawn]

I'm new to owning skinks but from what I've seen on this forum, they are unable to recognize heat on their undersides, so heating pads aren't ideal. Having a good basking area is more beneficial.

[Coomassie]

I don't use vision cages but I think Stacey does? She might be able to help you out.

[StaceyLeigh]

I just got my vision tank a couple of weeks ago. I am currently not using an under tank heating pad. I would check with Lll reptile, I believe online they stated not to use a basking light and undertank heater in the same spot as it could warp the tank.

[hurricanejen]

*waves* Hidey ho!

As Stacey mentioned, don't put your heat pad directly under your heat lights, as that can and will warp the plastic. However, if you do need the additional heat from a heat pad, setting it several inches to one side (I prefer to put it closer to the middle) will provide a minor boost to heat. I wouldn't rely on the heat pads too heavily, but if you live in an exceptionally cold area they can be helpful for blueys in winter.

-Jen

[Spindown]

I only use Vision cages for a couple of my snakes...I use Under tank heat for them, but for lizards I prefer basking lamps.

[critterguy]

I sold one of these cages...seemed the unecessary thickness of the plastic made it difficult for undertank heat to go through. If you are using a dimmed basking light then they do provide excellent insulation, but in the mild climate here in Socal that is unecessary. If someone made the equivalent of a sweater box with a clear side I would buy that.

[Richard.C]

most reptile heat mat manufacturers recommend to use on glass because surprise suprise they also manufacture glass enclosures

folk have been using heat mats tape and cord on plastic tubs and enclosures for decades,think of all the rack systems in use around the world

[hurricanejen]

Yep, I always found them to work just fine through the plastic. We heat hundreds of them in the stores with heat pads, it makes a noticeable difference in temps in the cages in winter, to the point where just by opening a cage door you can tell if there is a heat pad on it or not.

[Spindown]

I've never had an issue with the plastic not warming to the proper temps, in either the thicker vision cages or the tubs I use in my snake rack

[Chasen]

Thanx for input. I guess I wasn't as clear on my question as I should have been. I provide a basking spot for him, but I also like to have belly heat as it gets chilly here in winter (That's where he spends the night). My question was meant to be more directed at what sort of heater folks are using under vision cages. I did end up purchasing something.

[hurricanejen]

Sweet! Hope it works for ya

For what it's worth, in our stores etc we use ZooMed under tank heaters. We often slide cages along the top of one another, dragging cages along the pads and generally abusing them, and they last YEARS with awful treatment. I'd suggest an appropriate sized ZooMed heater if you don't have one already, or find yourself needing to replace what you already have.