Heating for a terrarium

[locko]

Hi I have a lowland nep and it grows great most of the year in a terrarium that is probably 100 gallons. During the summer spring and most of autumn conditions are perfect and it thrives but during winter it really goes downhill I am getting two more lowlanders a bical and N.campanulata so really need some heating for the winter. I have looked into a few different heating options but can't find much info on the net and need advice from someone who has some experience. I was leaning towards a Ceramic Heat Emitter or hot rocks for lizards but are these water proof enough for the high humidity. Would heat mats attached to the outside of the tank produce enough heat to get the tank up to 30 degrees Celsius in the dead of winter? The tank is right next to the window so experiences lows down to 15C so I would need something powerful I think.

[Clint]

Just add a false bottom (eggcrate on top of PVC or flower pots), add water, and add a submersible heater (or two in case one fails) set on 30 degrees C. All of this water will also increase your humidity.

[locko]

Thankyou for the great idea. I thought there must be some sort of water proof heater but couldn't find any info about heating. As soon as I typed in submersible heater I got plenty of info on them thanks again mate.

[Brian Barnes]

The only bad thing about reptile heat rocks is that there is no variance of temperature....Once the heat rock is on, you pretty much have to live with the maximum temperature it provides.
I agree, that something with a thermostat would be more CP "friendly" Brian.

[locko]

Yeah I am going to invest in a submersible heater or two. Most of them have a temperature control and are pretty cheap and should hopefully do what I need.

[wadave]

Any one have thoughts on the reptile heat mats you place under the tank?

I've bought one for my setup when my new tank arrives but as was stated above there is no thermostat. It's still in it's packet so I can take it back to the store.

Also another question regarding the ceramic heater, do they switch off if the water dries out, or do they just keep going until they burn themselves out?

Dave.

[Clint]

That would work fine, too. You can buy a thermostat for it but at that point you might as well just buy an aquarium heater lol. Unless you just don't want to fill the bottom with water. I know one person who uses heating cables that go under the media in aquariums (except his lines the inside of his Petiolaris tank).

I'm sure there is a heater out there somewhere that will shut it's self off, but I know I've lost a very expensive titanium heater from letting the water level get too low. Best to not find out for yourself

[wadave]

Hi Clint,

I went to take a look at the instruction leaflet that came in the packaging of my reptile heat pad.

They mention buying a thermostat..... I could have seen this when I was at the store..... never mind, I'm sure I can make an excuse to get back there even though it's a bit of a drive.

The guy at the store did mention something about those heaters that can be placed in the soil medium but I told him my plants would be kept in individual pots for ease of cleaning.

I think I will stick with the heating pad, simply to make sure I can go away for more than a few days and not stress that I'm going to burn out my submersible heater.

Thanks for all the help and advice.

Dave.