| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| mcloum |
Posted - 18/02/2014 : 22:38:03
Hi all,
Long time no post :)
Ive been a member for about 3 years but not very active. I still have Cobus and hes finally out growing his viv so ive bought him a 3ft new one/ebay one.
Question is the viv has a bulb holder screwed to the roof, can i use this for heating or is a Heat matt still required? Actually thinking about it the light wouldn't be on all the time so a heat mat would still be needed.
In that case do people recommend putting something on the bottom of the viv such as kitchen tiles? I'm hoping to try and make it easier to clean out what with it being a larger viv. Would I put the heat mat under the tiles if they are OK to use?
Cheers
Old Viv:
http://imgur.com/BMahOu7
New Viv:
http://imgur.com/Af8mVkV |
| 11 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| smart bunny |
Posted - 22/02/2014 : 14:35:01
You need a gap below the ceramic so the bottom doesn't get too hot, like this one: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ProRep-CERAMIC-HEATER-GUARD-Large-Reptile-metal-wire-lamp-light-bulb-cage-/261229114485?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Reptiles_Spiders_Insects&hash=item3cd277f475 I haven't done a proper search on eBay so you'll probably find others cheaper, but the point is it's 23.5 cm long and you need that length :) (I am too cautious to use the ones which open - I know they look far more convenient for changing the bulb, but i just worry the snake would manage to open it if coiled around it! |
| mcloum |
Posted - 22/02/2014 : 14:30:32
Im looking at cages now :)
Im worried that the cage measurements are still only just covering the bulb and will heat up and cause burns if he wraps around it
This is what i have so far (so substrate or cage or wooden table yet :))
http://imgur.com/3ZIFPDn |
| Kellog |
Posted - 22/02/2014 : 09:47:59
It's brilliant that you can get it all running and ensure that it's ok before moving him in. I'll be interested to hear how you get on so please let us know. Remember to cover the ceramic bulb with a guard  .
Xxx
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| mcloum |
Posted - 21/02/2014 : 12:31:12
quote:
Originally posted by Kellog
There are different views Michael and it comes down to personal choice, there's no right or wrong between heatmats and ceramic heat bulbs. Both needs thermostats to control them, obviously. You also need to have a digital thermometer in the viv to monitor the heat at the bottom of the viv, where the snake is. I use mats in all my vivs and prefer them, but that is my personal choice
I'm trying to work out whether you can use the thermostat you have with a heatmat or ceramic heat bulb.
This was the issue i was having :) Google told me the microclimate B1 was a dimming stat but it clearly isnt. Im just gonna setup a ceramic bulb at say 100watt and check the temps before moving him. I may go for a matt in the end as i would need a new one anyway as his viv is now larger.
Cheers |
| Kellog |
Posted - 20/02/2014 : 23:15:21
There are different views Michael and it comes down to personal choice, there's no right or wrong between heatmats and ceramic heat bulbs. Both needs thermostats to control them, obviously. You also need to have a digital thermometer in the viv to monitor the heat at the bottom of the viv, where the snake is. I use mats in all my vivs and prefer them, but that is my personal choice
I'm trying to work out whether you can use the thermostat you have with a heatmat or ceramic heat bulb. It's a brain fog night so I can't give you a straight answer  . Supposedly 'It will also work with all non-light emitting heat sources including heat mats, heat cable, ceramic bulbs and reptile radiators however for these non-light emitting heat sources a better choice would be the Microclimate B2 pulse thermostat'. Hope that doesn't just confuse the issue more .
No idea about wattage but I'm guessing that it doesn't make too much difference as long as it is controlled by a stat. Sorry, I've been seriously unhelpful  !
Xxx
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| mcloum |
Posted - 20/02/2014 : 18:28:04
Ok so I have a heat mat attached to a Microclimate B1 "proportional temperature control system". Would this be OK for a ceramic bulb? Is using only a bulb a good idea? I've read lots of conflicting information tonight, some people say mats are rubbish for vivs/wooden vivs. Snakes prefe heat underneath rather than from above etc all contradicting each other.
The bulb holder is a ceramic one according to the seller so I'm thinking a ceramic bulb is the way to go.
Any recommendations on bulb wattage? My viv is a Vivexotic LX36 |
| rockroyal |
Posted - 20/02/2014 : 09:06:45
Not a fan of heat mats in vivs |
| smart bunny |
Posted - 19/02/2014 : 20:02:30
You shouldn't use a ceramic lamp unless you know it is a ceramic holder - if it is just intended for a light bulb it won't be safe as it will get far too hot. No need to use floor tiles, the mat will be fine on the floor of the viv - so long as it has a thermostat, obviously. |
| Moppet |
Posted - 19/02/2014 : 16:29:35
A ceramic bulb doesn't give off any light, just heat. If you get a thermostat for use with the light and a digital thermometer to monitor it then that is the only heat a snake would need and it could be left on all the time as the thermostat would keep the heat suitable. |
| mcloum |
Posted - 19/02/2014 : 14:08:10
To be honest i dont think i'll use the bulb as the viv is next to my bed, dont want to be kept awake by the light :)
Any thoughts on the floor tiles? |
| rockroyal |
Posted - 19/02/2014 : 08:33:04
I always recommend ceramic with guard and a pulse stat to control the heat. That way snakey is getting 24/7 heat |
