Heat pad experience.

Cowboy_Ken

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I've no experience with that particular heating pad. The heating pad I always used were just regular old garage sale ones I'd use on the outside, underside of snake cages.
For tortoises, the heat needs to be environmentally supplied, not under. A tortoise anatomy has all their internal organs above the plastron. If it's so cold that your tortoise needs to absorb its heating needs from a bottom source you could ultimately end up "cooking" your little loved one.
I know it's not the answer you wanted, but heck, I've rolled my own cigarettes for some 30+ yrs. and my dr. always wants to scold me about it. I ask,"what do my lung x-rays show?" He sighs and mumbles that they look fine. It ends with him not liking the conversation.
Back on topic though, I have read here of folks mounting heat panels on the side wall to aid in background heat. Could you do something like that? If possible, the same it might be able to be hooked up to your che temp. controller?
 

rearlpettway

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Feb 14, 2014
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I've no experience with that particular heating pad. The heating pad I always used were just regular old garage sale ones I'd use on the outside, underside of snake cages.
For tortoises, the heat needs to be environmentally supplied, not under. A tortoise anatomy has all their internal organs above the plastron. If it's so cold that your tortoise needs to absorb its heating needs from a bottom source you could ultimately end up "cooking" your little loved one.
I know it's not the answer you wanted, but heck, I've rolled my own cigarettes for some 30+ yrs. and my dr. always wants to scold me about it. I ask,"what do my lung x-rays show?" He sighs and mumbles that they look fine. It ends with him not liking the conversation.
Back on topic though, I have read here of folks mounting heat panels on the side wall to aid in background heat. Could you do something like that? If possible, the same it might be able to be hooked up to your che temp. controller?
I have this mounted to the ceiling.
What do you think?
Radiant heat panels are from "Reptile Basics".
http://www.reptilebasics.com/160-watt-radiant-heat-panel
 

Big Charlie

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rearlpettway

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Feb 14, 2014
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254
I have a smaller one from the same company. It works great. I have the heat mat installed directly below. My only concern would be the size. I think there should be an area in the box where your tort can go to get away from the heat.
Big Charlie,
What is the distance between the top of the shell and the radiant heat panel?
 
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