Heatmats

[Mujician]

I've just been reading some threads on here about heatmats and how they should be placed underneath something like a ceramic tile - is this always the case? Never used them before coz the bad press has put me off - but this time i caved in because of financial pressure. I've just set up a viv for leos (they're not in there yet) and I've just put the sand on top of the heatmat. (its controlled by a stat to 70 degrees for night-time) For daytime temps i have a ceramic). So really I'm asking is this set-up okay or do i need to go tile shopping to get enough to cover the mat? WHAT DO I DO!!!!!?

[Ned]

Sand can cover the heatmat, and the heatmat will warm the sand. I'd be concerned using sand with Leos though if they are not adults.

For Leos you would be much better off just using a heatmat and setting it to the day time temp, so that in 1/3rd of the tank the sand reaches 88/90F (daytime temp) and just leaving it like that.

Leos get heat from underneath so its better to use a heat mat to warm the substrate to the correct temp rather than a ceramic heater.

[Mujician]

They're an adult breeding trio

[Ned]

Should be fine on sand then, just keep an eye out. Don't use calci send however (see your other thread).

I'd personally ditch the ceramic heater unless its really cold in your reptile room, and just stick with a heat mat under the sand covering 1/3rd of the floor.