Heat Mats

[Robbo]

Hope this is the right area for this question;

I have several glass tanks that I use to house my frogs, one giant pixie, one dwarf pxyie and a fantasy horned frog, and use heat mats on rheostats on them. I have had a couple of them now since 2007 and was wondering if there is a 'lifespan' or recommended time to replace the mats? I haven't had any issues at all and installed them as the manufacturers stated with the tanks elevated to allow excess heat to escape and have made sure not to rest the edges of the tanks on the electrical wiring. In addition I have them plugged into power surge type power strips and have not overloaded the outlets, but I am conscious of a potential fire risk.

If anyone has any insights on this I would very much appreciate it, thanks in advance.

[deranged chipmunk]

They don't really have a life span. They don't have any moving parts, so theoretically, they can last "forever", as long as they aren't overheated or used improperly. And since it doesn't sound like you have either to worry about, they should serve you well for many years to come.

[Robbo]

Thank you very much for the reply, I really appreciate it.

[deranged chipmunk]

My pleasure.

[Mentat]

Power surge type interruptors are not designed to be used with high current draw items like fans or heaters. If looking for an electrical fire protection capability; a power fault interruptor (GFCI) is what you need. They come in units to replace normal receptacles (electrician or electrical handyman required) or as plug in adapters.

Understand you've used these pads for many years with no issues; but if located under the tanks (appears from your post they are), they are in wrong place. Frogs dig down to cool off and that location will do the opposite. Also, to bring up tank to proper temps, the substrate will be several degrees higher. That is reason we recommend using on sides; even if they are more inefficient in that location. Good luck !

[Robbo]

Carlos, Thank you for the information. Indeed I haven't had any issues with the heat mats mounted under the tanks but they are on rheostats and temps, substrate and air, checked with a digital thermometer. I do agree though with the nature of burrowing frogs, side mounting is a better option along as proper temps can be achieved. My frogs, even the lazy fantasy, seem to realize to go between the heated area and the other areas of the enclosure for thermo-regulation. I'd love to just have a room maintained at the correct temps but that isn't a reality for me, maybe a rack system is the way to go.

Thanks again for your help.