[elliebarrett]

does anyone not use one? do you not have to use one if the mat is below a certain wattage/voltage

 

[PendleHog]

Some people use mats without stats but you really shouldn't... I have seen normal little heat mats melt straight through plastics tubs!
The wattage of your mat make no difference really.. mat stats are cheap and effective at around £25 new, or £15 off ebay if you're lucky.
I dont personally think its worth the risk to your nsake to not have a stat at that sort of price!

 

[mark67123]

Definitely use a stat for any mat. It's hard to believe how hot mats can get until you've actually felt it - they can and do get to way over 100F without any control, so stats are a must.

 

[BELIAL]

have to agree with everyone else...stats are a must.

 

[tachante-e8]

Many people just get a thermometer and keep an eye ont he temperature...but to be safe then just get a thermostat

 

[PendleHog]

Many people just get a thermometer and keep an eye ont he temperature...but to be safe then just get a thermostat

You should have athermometer AND a thermostat - you cannot rely on the dial on the stat to be perfectly accurate and it is very bad practice to simply check the temps in the viv occassionally!

If the mat overheats whilst you're out for the day, your snake will be dead before you return and see the problem - this is much less likely to happen on a properly statted heater.