Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: Heating for acrylic tank?

  1. #1
    erini
    Guest

    Default Heating for acrylic tank?

    I purchased a Repitherm mat to place on the side of the tank for heating during the winter months - but while I was reading the instructions it said it was for glass only. Are there any heat pads that are safe to use with acrylic? And just to educate me - why is the Repitherm not safe to use with acrylic?

  2. # ADS
    Circuit advertisement
     

  3. #2
    BG
    Guest

    Default Re: Heating for acrylic tank?

    It might start a fire. Also when you heat acrylic,it releases toxic smells. Just a thought. Not a good idea. It will also kill what ever is in the container.

  4. #3
    erini
    Guest

    Default Re: Heating for acrylic tank?

    Thanks! I'm not using it, but I wanted to know why I'm not using it since it didn't actually describe why acrylic+heat pad=bad lol. I will go ahead and stick with lights then! (On a sidenote - anyone want a brand new Repi therm pad? I can't return it, I opened it.)

  5. #4
    Founder John's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Nationality
    [Ireland]
    Location
    United States
    Age
    46
    Posts
    5,963
    Picture Albums: Member Photo Albums

    Default Re: Heating for acrylic tank?

    George is on point here. There is a risk with plastic that the it would overheat and melt.
    Founder of Frogforum.net (2008) and Caudata.org (2001)

  6. #5
    Sublime
    Guest

    Default Re: Heating for acrylic tank?

    I'm not familiar with acrylic at all, but I'm using a zoo-med under tank heater on the bottom side of a heave duty roughneck rubbermaid to house a colony of dubias. The bin is made from polyethylene plastic, heating point is very high so I'm not concerned with the temperature getting to 105-110F, but I have a rheostat just in case. Everyone uses them for all their advantages, although I wouldn't recommend using one on your acrylic. I agree with George that it could potentially let out toxic fumes harming your amphibian. The heat pads all have that warning sign, but I've never heard of stories where Rubbermaids or Sterilites have caught on fire or melted from them.

  7. #6
    Kreamcheese
    Guest

    Default Re: Heating for acrylic tank?

    Quote Originally Posted by erini View Post
    Thanks! I'm not using it, but I wanted to know why I'm not using it since it didn't actually describe why acrylic+heat pad=bad lol. I will go ahead and stick with lights then! (On a sidenote - anyone want a brand new Repi therm pad? I can't return it, I opened it.)
    how much for the pad?

  8. #7
    caverboy
    Guest

    Default Re: Heating for acrylic tank?

    I am in the same situation with my 10 gallon acrylic hex tank ( 2 BETFs ). Currently a 50w infrared bulb is maintaining the heat, but I worry about the coming winter and a cold house. I am debating putting a ceramic tile between the heating pad and the tank to spread the heat evenly and minimize the chance of outgassing by the acrylic overheating. Has anybody tried this ??

    Thanks in advance.

  9. #8
    erini
    Guest

    Default Re: Heating for acrylic tank?

    Sorry Andrew, I already had someone claim it as soon as I posted about it on another forum!

    Caver - I ended up solving the problem by using a small space heater set about 2 feet away from the vivarium that has temperature control on it. I can maintain the temperatures very nicely now with it and it's small enough that it doesn't cost a fortune and doesn't overheat the whole room.

  10. #9
    BG
    Guest

    Default Re: Heating for acrylic tank?

    They also sell the low wattage tape for the snake trays,but the plastic made for trays is much thicker then the clear acrylic. Better safe then sorry. Good job on the heater. Thats what i do. The frogs are in a climate controlled room.

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. Land/water divide in a FBT setup - glass or acrylic?
    By Mr Bee in forum Vivarium, Terrarium & Enclosure Discussion
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: September 28th, 2011, 11:52 AM
  2. Under tank heating vrs. over tank heating
    By DogRetepCow in forum Tree Frogs
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: May 26th, 2011, 04:05 PM
  3. Best-- acrylic or glass
    By Leefrogs in forum Vivarium, Terrarium & Enclosure Discussion
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: March 10th, 2011, 09:42 AM
  4. Anti fogging solutions on acrylic
    By karwatowicz in forum Introductions Area
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: September 5th, 2010, 12:47 PM
  5. Heating my tank
    By Kerry1968 in forum Vivarium, Terrarium & Enclosure Discussion
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: October 18th, 2009, 05:31 AM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •