Heat mat questions??

[Lil Krystal]

I have 2 tiny baby green tree frogs in a small tank its 25cmx28cm and 18cm in height I currently have a heat lamp on them but I was thinking about getting a heat mat instead off ebay so I can move my frogs into my room because I can't sleep a light.

Is using a heat mat ok? Should I get one smaller or bigger than my tank? Because its such a small tank will it overheat?

I was looking at these ones
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/GNF-103-Repti...item27b0562bfa

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Reptile-Snake...item414fa0272c

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/GNF-102-Repti...item2a05ae1f99

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/New-Heat-Mat-...item20afd7c68f

[Socrates]

What type of substrate are you using? I ask because that will affect the type of heat source needed.

[John]

Those heatmats are suitable but it does depend, as Socrates says, on what substrate you use. If the substrate is of the wrong kind or is too thick, you really have to stick the heat mat on the wall of the terrarium so that the heat can get through. It's a good idea to get a heat mat that is no larger than 50% of the surface that you're using it with (so half the size of the exposed part of wall of the tank, or less). I suggest you get a thermostat too and install a thermometer so that you can experiment with getting the amount of heating right.

[Lil Krystal]

What type of substrate are you using? I ask because that will affect the type of heat source needed.

Paper towel but I want to switch to something a little more aesthetically pleasing soon!

[Lil Krystal]

Those heatmats are suitable but it does depend, as Socrates says, on what substrate you use. If the substrate is of the wrong kind or is too thick, you really have to stick the heat mat on the wall of the terrarium so that the heat can get through. It's a good idea to get a heat mat that is no larger than 50% of the surface that you're using it with (so half the size of the exposed part of wall of the tank, or less). I suggest you get a thermostat too and install a thermometer so that you can experiment with getting the amount of heating right.

Ok! Thanks for the info.

=]

[Lil Krystal]

Those heatmats are suitable but it does depend, as Socrates says, on what substrate you use. If the substrate is of the wrong kind or is too thick, you really have to stick the heat mat on the wall of the terrarium so that the heat can get through. It's a good idea to get a heat mat that is no larger than 50% of the surface that you're using it with (so half the size of the exposed part of wall of the tank, or less). I suggest you get a thermostat too and install a thermometer so that you can experiment with getting the amount of heating right.

Ok I need to pick your brains. I need advice on what mat to buy

1# Option
7W 15x28cm Heat Matt with temperature control

Now with this one if put it on the side of the tank it will cover the whole surface area. But it has a temp control (no idea how well it will work) but I can turn it down when needed or keep it on a real low setting so they don't over heat.
NEW Heat Mat Reptile Vivarium 6" x 11" 15 x 28cm 7W - eBay, Reptiles, Pet Supplies, Home Garden. (end time 25-May-10 06:04:42 AEST)

2# 5W 14 x 15 cm Heat mat (add a thermostat??)or 2w 7cm by 7cm Mat(with out any heat control)

I have spoken to this seller and he says the mats can go to 30 degrees depending on what it has to heat and said it will never stay at the one temperature without a thermostat or you monitoring it manually, turning it on and off (as you guys already know) so he purposed If I didn't want to spend the money on a thermostat I could go the smaller mat which is only 7cm by 7cm so it doesn't make the enclosure too hot. But it is a lot smaller and I don't know if that mat will keep all of the tank at a good temp. What do you guys think? Do you think the small one will it heat the terrarium? as it is pretty small.
Reptile Snake Lizard Heat Mat 5 watt - NEW - eBay Heat Mats, Reptiles, Pet Supplies, Home. (end time 22-Jun-10 16:43:19 AEST)

Reptile Lizard Snake Heat Mat 2 watt NEW - eBay Heat Mats, Reptiles, Pet Supplies, Home. (end time 18-Jun-10 22:31:19 AEST)

I need a size in between but I can't find one anywhere.
As my frogs get bigger I'm going to have to up-size everything. Depending on how long they take to grow but I'll have too eventually and then I plan to have a decent amount of water and use an aquarium heater. And I've already spent a lot on them so I'm reluctant to fork out to much money for something that I'm going to have to put away and never use after 6 or 8 months

See my pickle here? Please Helpppppppppppp

[Lil Krystal]

I don't know what one to buyyy