| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| m00sifer |
Posted - 27/05/2011 : 18:22:45
Apologies as I'm sure this has been posted many times before but I've searched everywhere and found so much conflicting advice. I have recently moved my year old corn snake from a RUB (which was heated by a heat mat placed underneath, outside the box) into a wooden viv. I currently have the heat mat inside the viv and covered only by a very thin layer of aspen. I've read posts saying this is completely safe to do as long as it's statted, which it is, and that the thermostat probe can't be moved by the snake, but others saying it's dangerous as the snake could get burnt if in direct contact with the mat. I'm not sure if this only applies to heavier bodied snakes but would rather not take the risk if there's any chance. I am considering siliconing a piece of lino over the top of the mat but don't know if that could cause it to overheat.
Thoughts? Any help would be greatly appreciated as it's stressing me out and I don't know if I'm worrying over nothing :-( |
| 6 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| m00sifer |
Posted - 28/05/2011 : 20:37:05
Yeah I had it covered with a thin layer of aspen but she keeps pushing it off, seems to prefer sitting directly on top of it. Glad to know it won't be a problem :-) |
| lotabob |
Posted - 27/05/2011 : 20:29:03
I have my corn on a heat mat in a viv, he always moves the substrate out of the way to sit straight on the mat. I have the probes glued to the mat ( I use a hot glue gun to stick it down, its quick and really easy ) and it never gets anywhere near hot enough to burn the snake. |
| gingerpony |
Posted - 27/05/2011 : 20:20:34
what you're currently doing is fine  |
| Spreebok |
Posted - 27/05/2011 : 19:34:57
If you are worried, you can always pop a bit of thick cardboard over the top :) |
| m00sifer |
Posted - 27/05/2011 : 19:27:04
So no need to cover the mat then? Also would it be safe to stick the probe down with aquarium sealant, or could it melt? |
| Ailsa |
Posted - 27/05/2011 : 18:29:52
What your talking about is called Thermal Blocking (I think) and it applies to heavier bodied snakes, it is where the heavy bodied snakes remain laying on the mat, their body in direct contact with the mat and the heat build up from the mat is not allowed to escape - like when a smaller bodied corn snake lays on their heat mat. This causes burns in the heavier snakes.
At least that's my take on it anyway.
Your right to be worried but your snake will be fine as long as the stat probe can't be moved of mat by the snake. |
