Is it okay to use a 30-40 gallon sizeheat mat for a sm wide exo terra terrarium?

[tofro3]

I don't know how many gallons my terrarium is. It's 18" x18" x18"


Does someone know if this size heat mat is safe for the side of my terrarium?

Thanks!

[Frogman1031]

Thats about 25 gallons. what will you be keeping in there. I wouldn't recommend
it though.

[Louis Charles Bruckner]

It is ok if you do two things.
#1 you place the heat mat on the side not the bottom.

#2 use some kind of controller, either a thermostat or a controller that can do different temps at different times of day. to get a day and night temps.

[tofro3]

Thats about 25 gallons. what will you be keeping in there. I wouldn't recommend
it though.

I have two Black Spined toads.

[tofro3]

I placed it on the side and will get a thermometer. There are controllers for temp?

Thanks for your reply!

[tofro3]

Thanks for your reply!

[Louis Charles Bruckner]

OK let me further explain,

It does matter how big the heater is but choosing the best size to be effective and keep a steady temp is best.
If you use too small of a heat source it may never get up to the proper temp.
If you use a huge heat source it can heat the area quickly but if your control system is not sensitive enough
it can actually over shoot the set temp and be dangerous but that would be very difficult to do with a heat pad.
But not hard to do with IR bulbs or ceramic heat emitters.

I prefer the zoomed HT-10 controller, it can control both humidity and temperature.
They are best found on amazon.com for $40-60.00

[tofro3]

Thanks for the info I'll definitely get a controller. I bought the mat yesterday and didn't think it would give off so much heat.

I can feel the heat when I touch the inside of the terrarium.

I appreciate your advice!