Heat mat placement?

[demeteraurion]

Ok just switched from lamp to a small heat mat. At first I had it on the bottom of the tank, then put it on the actual side of the tank, then placed it on the back of the tank to one side. It's close to the bottom and the glass gets pretty hot, if Rupert accidently ran into the glass he could get burned I'm afraid.

Am I supposed to place it high on the aquarium? Or would it be ok to put on the bottom if I layered the bottom with rocks and then eco earth on top? Any tips would be appreciated, trying to create a more comfortable home for my frog

[DVirginiana]

I don't really like heat mats for that exact reason, but since you have an albino I guess it's safer to use that instead of a lamp. Putting it on the bottom with a few rocks covered in substrate to keep him from sitting directly on it should work just fine

[berksmike]

On my cranwelli tanks I place the heat mat on the outside of the tank mounted on the side and covering about a third of the tank. Horned frogs often bury if they are getting too warm so a mat under the tank wouldnt help that. I have found you get a great heat gradient with a side mounted mat - plus you can get self adhesive heat mats now whiuch are great.
If you are worried about him burning himself maybe put some cocofibre matting on the sides - makes the frogs feel more secure as well and you can grow plants up them to liven up your tank too (plus plants will help maintain humidity levels)

Agree the heat lamp going is a good idea plus be careful with your lighting with your albino and dont use the high UV bulbs

[bshmerlie]

I agree. Due to the burrowing nature of the frog you don't want to put it under the tank. If its at one end of the tank he can move to the other end to be cooler.