Why slate?

Riverside Reptiles

Administrator (HMFIC)
Something that you might consider is heating from above with a CHE (ceramic heat emitter). It will heat the slate below it which will then provide the proper belly heat needed. This is actually much more natural than heating with a uth as it simulates the sun heating the rocks like it would in nature. No matter what you use for heating, it should be used in conjunction with a quality thermostat.
 

HeKai

New member
coming and coming-getting two herpstats (I have 4 animals) heat tape and CHE whenever they arrive :) thanks. Hopefully will have time to set up the new enclosure tomorrow.
 

Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
coming and coming-getting two herpstats (I have 4 animals) heat tape and CHE whenever they arrive :) thanks. Hopefully will have time to set up the new enclosure tomorrow.

Ceri ~

Just curious which herpstats you went for. Herpstat links?

You are quite welcome :)
 

HeKai

New member
Herpstat intro basic -whatever it was. The cheapest because I wasn't clear that there were features that I needed with the other intro ones. It was from a highly recommended Canadian supplier that is actually in Western Canada.

Herpstat intro. I got two non proportional thermostats coming too-different source, mixed up messages with a friend and a longish story.
Accessories - Cornelsworld

Also go heat tape from this guy since you aren't supposed to readhere UTH heaters so all of mine are toast. And a few CHE because they are half the price through him. :)
 

HeKai

New member
I live in Western Canada-cheaper than if the supplier was in Ontario and MUCH cheaper shipping than from the States (and no long wait at customs either).
 

Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
Herpstat intro basic -whatever it was. The cheapest because I wasn't clear that there were features that I needed with the other intro ones. It was from a highly recommended Canadian supplier that is actually in Western Canada.

Herpstat intro. I got two non proportional thermostats coming too-different source, mixed up messages with a friend and a longish story.
Accessories - Cornelsworld

Also go heat tape from this guy since you aren't supposed to readhere UTH heaters so all of mine are toast. And a few CHE because they are half the price through him. :)

This for your proportional thermostat:
Amazon.com: herpstat
 

HeKai

New member
yes, too much heat will crack the glass. I have only experimented a little bit but I think slate conducts heat well so the extra thickness does not seem to be a huge problem. Make sure you use a rheostat dimmer or (better) thermostat and you'll be fine :) Oh yes, air flow, as I discovered the hard way.
 

Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
What causes the glass to crack? The UTH? I'd like to avoid this if possible, thanks.

yes, too much heat will crack the glass. I have only experimented a little bit but I think slate conducts heat well so the extra thickness does not seem to be a huge problem. Make sure you use a rheostat dimmer or (better) thermostat and you'll be fine :) Oh yes, air flow, as I discovered the hard way.

Yes, heat build up and the lack of necessary ventilation space between the tank and the stand are the culprits. Ventilation space and a thermostat will solve the problem of cracked glass.
 
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ngoegan

New member
Yes, heat build up and the lack of necessary ventilation space between the tank and the stand are the culprits. Ventilation space and a thermostat will solve the problem of cracked glass.

I'm confused because I'm using the zoomed uth pad and I have an 18 x 36 tank that sits on a wooden table. How do you add ventilation to that? I was going to get slate tiles as recommended in the video. How does a thermostat work with the heat pad?
 

GeckoManiac91

New member
I'm confused because I'm using the zoomed uth pad and I have an 18 x 36 tank that sits on a wooden table. How do you add ventilation to that? I was going to get slate tiles as recommended in the video. How does a thermostat work with the heat pad?

Ventilation space needs to be provided for many reasons, one being it is a fire hazard with all that built up heat. All you have to do for ventilation space is somehow raise the tank a bit. I believe most heat pads (I've only used Exo-Terra) come with "sticky feet" which you put on the corners. You can use small blocks of wood even or what I've recently done; Hockey pucks :biggrin::yahoo:

The thermostat plugs into the wall then the other end plugs into your heat pad. It comes with a probe in which you place over your heat pad (Taping it works good) and then set your thermostat for about 90 or 91. Once it reaches the desired temperature it will turn off, drop a couple degrees and then turn back on.
 

Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
is there a website i can order custom fitted, untreated slate tile online that ships from WITHIN Canada? (i do not want to deal with customs again)

In the USA we can get untreated slate tile from home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe's. Have you access to such in Canada?
 
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