heating for 36"x18" terrarium

[fab]

hi, I plan on building a terrarium for my leopard gecko. I was just wondering how I should heat it. I am debating whether the floor should be wood or glass and whether I will put the heating element between the tile or under the cage. I was looking into the Flexwatt products but I can't find them anywhere in Canada. I am willing to buy online but preferably from a Canadian site. I was also thinking about the Exo Terra heat cable but I heard that isn't as good as Flexwatt. I also need a thermostat. What would you guys recommend under $50?

 

[Ozymandias]

i can help on the thermostat bit, this one seems to be the best bang for your buck and it's from amazon so thay should ship to you. for heat don't put the heat pad in the tank and if you do build a wood enclose stick to a ceramic heat emitter, i have a wood tank and thats what i use in it for the leo thats in there.

 

[Riverside Reptiles]

You should also consider using a CHE to heat from above. As long as there's some slate (or other natural stone) below it, it's a great way to provide heat. It will heat the stone which in turn provides needed belly heat. And since it doesn't put off light, it can be run 24/7 without disrupting their night cycle. Like with all heating devices, it should be put on a thermostat. I'm certain that you can buy CHE's in Canada. I like Flexwatt, but I don't like the idea of putting it under something like plywood, which going to be hard to heat. And I like even less the idea of putting it inside the enclosure which could cause all sorts of various problems. And neither flexwatt nor heat rope should be sandwiched between the floor and another layer (such as slate) as you're just asking for overheating issues.

 

[fab]

Thanks for the replies. But I wasn't going to put the under tank heater under the plywood. I was going to cut out a rectangle and put glass and then I will put it under that. we do have ceramic heat emitters in Canada. If I have a CHE do i need an under tank heater?

 

[Ozymandias]

no you can just use the CHE by it's self, i feel that your best bet actually it mill make building the tank much easier

 

[fab]

Alright. I have another question. Is the Exo Terra heat cable a good product? does it last long and does it work well? I remember Ethan saying something about flexwatt. I think its a good product but it is only 11" wide and my cage will be 18" wide.

 

[Ozymandias]

i would skip it it really doesn't spread heat out that well.