Help needed on a 36X18X12 tank
- Thread starter Jackster
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Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
You can use Flexwatt Heat Tape. The Beanfarm sells UltraTherm under tank heat pads in 11 different sizes.
Click: http://beanfarm.com/index.php?cPath=1204&sort=2a&page=3
Check post #44 following the Leo Caresheet linked right below in my signature for an explanation about the Flexwatt.
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It appears that using the Flexwatt Heat Tape would require installing it inside the tank, not sure I would want to do that. How close to the 1/3 floor coverage is necessary? Would a 24X18X12 be better? I would like a tank that is 30x18x12, but can not seem to find one. The Zilla Critter Cage (30x12x12) would be great if it came in a 18 in. width.
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cricket4u
New member
Post #74. He mentions the UTH and size.
http://www.geckosunlimited.com/comm...emitter-night-viewing-bulb-setup-s-all-8.html
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
The UltraTherm heat mats sold by the Bean Farm come in 11 sizes. None of those is close?
It would be OK to use two heat mats as long as they only took up 1/3 the base of the enclosure.
As far as I know, FlexWatt goes on the outside of the enclosure???
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The exo terra 36 x 18 x 12 is actually only 16 1/8" deep on the bottom. The closest Ultratherm mat comes in a 11 x 11 inch and the next size is 11 x 17 in.(which will be to wide) Is the 11 x 11 close enough? The only thing that I have found would cover the 1/3 area would be the (2) 8 x 12 inch mats from Zoo Med (which they do not recommend, avoids warranty). What size of UTH do other with this size of terrarium use?
I am at a loss?
I am at a loss?
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Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
Are you sure that Flexwatt heat tape is not designed to be used outside a glass enclosure? Best to get advice directly from the Bean Farm (877-708-5882) or maybe from other GU members.
A 36 x "18" x 12 inch enclosure is better for the length and overall dimensions than the 24 x 18 x 12 inch Exo Terra.
It is best to use under tank heating along with a 10 inch overhead dome with a ceramic heat emitter to warm the air.
Maybe someone who has the 36 x 16 x 12 inch Exo Terra will chime in?
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cricket4u
New member
My neighbor uses the Exo Terra heat wave mat 11" x 17". It does not have to cover exactly 30%. There are many ways to provide heating. What may work for one may not work for another. Sometimes we have to figure it out on your own by trial an error, unfortunately.
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I emailed The Bean Farm and they suggested that I use the 11 x 17 Ultratherm UTH, which will fit in the terrarium lengthwise.
There reply: You can use Flexwatt, but I think Ultratherm UTH's would be easier, I would use one 11 x 17 Ultratherm and a zilla thermostat.
There reply: You can use Flexwatt, but I think Ultratherm UTH's would be easier, I would use one 11 x 17 Ultratherm and a zilla thermostat.
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I have been communicating with Bean Farm about using the Ultratherm 11 x 17 UTH on the Exo Terra 36x18x12 terrarium. They suggested two methods that would work.
1. Attaching the UTH to the glass bottom with some kind of tape. The UTH, being an inch to long, will have to be flexed down somewhat to clear lip around the bottom of the tank. UTH may stick out a little in the rear of the tank.
2. Lay the UTH flat on stand and unattached under the tank. This would put the UTH about 1/2 inch below the glass bottom. Heat will rise. This is the method they use.
Of course, the UTH will need to be controlled by the thermostat.
1. Attaching the UTH to the glass bottom with some kind of tape. The UTH, being an inch to long, will have to be flexed down somewhat to clear lip around the bottom of the tank. UTH may stick out a little in the rear of the tank.
2. Lay the UTH flat on stand and unattached under the tank. This would put the UTH about 1/2 inch below the glass bottom. Heat will rise. This is the method they use.
Of course, the UTH will need to be controlled by the thermostat.
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
Is the actual measurement of the width/depth because a background is taking up space? It does not sound like it.
Have you some specifics on why using two 8 x 12's side by side voids Zoo Med's warranty?
For method #2 have you a stand that supports the periphery of the tank, so that the UTH will still be ventilated?
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Although called a 36x18x12 terrarium, the actual outside measurements of the glass is short by about 1/2 inch. There is also plastic framework that holds the tank together that takes additional room from the bottom. The 18 inch depth on the bottom ends up being actually 16 inches.
Zoo Med said the two UTH's put side-by-side could cause the bottom glass to break because of the heat between the pads would not be able to radiate out as they normally would. Thus, warranty would be voided.
I think I will be doing method #1, attaching the heater to the bottom of the tank. The Ultratherm heater has been ordered ... will take a better look when it arrives in a day or so.. (Bean Farm processed my order immediately - two day priority).
The terrarium is designed so air can flow under it, but you can also use the rubber risers with it.
Zoo Med said the two UTH's put side-by-side could cause the bottom glass to break because of the heat between the pads would not be able to radiate out as they normally would. Thus, warranty would be voided.
I think I will be doing method #1, attaching the heater to the bottom of the tank. The Ultratherm heater has been ordered ... will take a better look when it arrives in a day or so.. (Bean Farm processed my order immediately - two day priority).
The terrarium is designed so air can flow under it, but you can also use the rubber risers with it.