Insulating UTH?

[Zimmer]

Soooo I am confused. :shock: I just got the 11"x17" Ultratherm heat mat for my gecko tank and I have a few questions.... I have read about the need to raise the tank a little bit so it's not squishing the cord and airflow can move around under the heat mat and prevent it from overheating and causing a fire hazard. Nowhere in my instructions does it actually mention anything about this, should I still raise it up a bit?

It doesn't come with any adhesive, what do I use to stick it on the glass that is heat safe? The instructions just say "good quality adhesive tape"....

Also, the instructions specifically recommend using polystyrene insulation at least 6mm thick fixed to the outer surface of the heat mat (sandwiching the heat mat between insulation and glass) to "direct heat up into the tank". While I see what they are saying, it seems to me that using insulation like that will negate any air flowing under the tank to prevent a fire hazard. Is this really something I need to do?

I have the Hydrafarm thermostat to use with the heat mat, so is the no airflow/overheating risk negated? Or..... what?

I'm sorry if these questions have been answered elsewhere I couldn't find the exact answers I was looking for anywhere else and I just want to be sure I'm doing this properly so I don't burn my leo OR my house!!!! Thanks :blushing:

 

[kholtme]

Great questions, go to your local hardware store or home store like lowes or home depot and get some aluminum tape. I searched all over for information on these tapes and on the internet, and they are all about the same. Aluminum tape is great because it is heat resistant and is very sticky. If you cant find it, look in the heating and air isle. I put the tape around the edges of the mat and also rolled them up and placed them randomly around the middle to help hold the heat mat up to the glass, other wise it sags. Ill post a picture below that may help show this. (remember my tank base is 18x 36 and your tank base is 12x36, so your uth will be turned 90 degrees.) I didnt use any insulation, nor have i seen anyone talk about doing so here. Although the insulation does make sense, I had no problems heating the ground without it. Even with a thermostat it is important to raise the tank up for air flow. I used the pads meant for the bottom of chairs and couches to prevent them from scratching floors. I cut them up and place them on the corners and middle of the tank, you can probably see these also in the picture. Also, be aware there is a side that is meant to be against the glass, look at where the cord comes into the mat, one side is flatter, while the other side is raised more that wont allow that part of the mat to come in contact with the glass.

 

[Zimmer]

Thanks for the picture that was perfect!