undertank heater safe?

bambichik39

New member
I have my leo and my cordylus lizards tanks on bookshelves, I was wondering if this would be safe with the undertank heater. Will the air circulate enough? you can feel its warm on the underside of the shelf, but its not burning or anything (yet). So, do you guys put them on something like this? Is it safe, or will it eventually catch fire? I have the feet on there any everything, but maybe taller feet would work to hold it higher off the shelf for better air flow? thoughts please!
 

obwahine

New member
We have our 20 gallon long tank with UTH on a wooden computer desk. We used the feet they included with the UTH + some cardboard under the two corners on the hot end to elevate it slightly more. It has worked well so far and no burns :)
 

bambichik39

New member
Thanks for the replies! I figured it would be alright, but just wanted to be sure since most stands I've seen are the wire ones that dont have a bottom, just wire that holds around the tank. I think I'll elevate the warm side a bit just to be safe.. thanks again!
 

Riverside Reptiles

Administrator (HMFIC)
Actually, even though under normal conditions your uth shouldn't get more than 120ish, it's certainly possible for it to overheat if sandwiched between the bottom of a tank and a solid shelf. This is one very good reason why you should have your uth on a thermostat. That way, if it overheats, not only will it shut off and save your herps, it may well save your house from burning (which I'm sure your insurance company would appreciate).
 
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