Temperature Not High Enough

[Becca24]

Hi all! Well I am actually finished with a 36x18x18 front open cage. Everything is perfect except for the temperature. I did buy a 35”x6” UltraTherm heat mat. I just thought it might take a couple days to warm up the the tank, but only peaks around 71 degrees. I did put foil around the heat mat and insulated the top of the cage. My room is about 65 degrees.

Would it be a better idea to try to use cardboard or foam to try to get the temp higher, or should I just look into buying another UltraTherm mat?
Thanks!
Becca Turner

[JoeHermits]

Insulation can help and it’s cheaper than another heat mat.

If multiple heat mats don’t work you can try adding a heat lamp (which shouldn’t be used at night) or a ceramic heat emitter (which can be used at night).


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[Becca24]

Insulation can help and it’s cheaper than another heat mat.

If multiple heat mats don’t work you can try adding a heat lamp (which shouldn’t be used at night) or a ceramic heat emitter (which can be used at night).


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Great. I think a heat lamp will be best. Would you recommend it put it on top? And what would be the best wattages? Also, is there a way to regulate them like heat mats? Thanks!!

[CrabbyLover77]

If you only put foil on your mat, I'd try the cardboard with foil (shiny side out) along the entire back of the tank. My house is usually 72-76 all year round, so I only did foil on my mats. That was enough to be able to get my tanks up to 80°. Since your house is colder, I think the extra insulation with the cardboard would help.
Your humidity might start dropping with a heat lamp, and you can't sit them on glass or on top of mesh wrapped with saran wrap. But it's totally up to you.

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[CrabbyLover77]

If you do choose to use a lamp, you can buy a lamp with a built in dimmer. That allows you to lower and raise the bulb temp.

https://smile.amazon.com/Flukers-Repta- ... 669&sr=8-3

Personally, I use the mini dome for my tortoise. It takes up very little space and the halogen bulbs come in 25 and 50 watts. I use the 25 watt and it keeps her basking area at 90-100°.

https://smile.amazon.com/Zilla-Reptile- ... ome&sr=8-3

The bulb colors come in white, blue, and red.

https://smile.amazon.com/Zilla-Reptile- ... ght&sr=8-8

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