Under tank heater best investment so far

[Scott E.]

We got an undertank heater for our kids this spring after brumation and I have to say that it was the best investment we have made (other than the $20 55 gal aquarium). The male is much perkier and is eating much better than last year with just a heat emitter bulb. As a matter of fact, he is eating better than he ever has. The Mrs. is eating even more than her usual gluttony self, but she is gravid, so i can't hold it against her. Both seem much more active and alert since the heaters installation. I think that the emitter was too high from the floor of the tank to be effective.

Scott E.

[Mommy2many]

What kind of heater is it and how much did it cost?

[ConcinusMan]

60 watt for a 10 gallon tank, placed over one end works, but not higher than 12 inches above. If you have a tank that's higher,(like a 55 gallon is) you can always place climbing logs or branches where the snakes can get closer, but if it is a high tank, an undertank heater isn't a bad idea. I usually place them on the end wall, vertically though. They just get too darn hot with an inch of bark or coconut fiber on top of them. Otherwise, you'll need a 100 watt emitter and a 10 inch dome reflector for a 55 gallon 18 inches high.

[Scott E.]

it was a Catalina Aquarium 8X18 22 watt model for 19.99 on special at the catalina aquarium web site. This unit also has a 3 position adjustable output, so i can cover the size of the tank i need, but still regulate the temp. I also bought a 200w heat emitter also, but with the under tank unit, I don't need it.

[ConcinusMan]

Still wouldn't be a bad idea to turn the heat emitter on for an hour or two in the morning. Garters do like to bask ya' know. Turning all heat off at night and a drop down to 65-70 is a good idea too.

[dashnu]

I always use a UTH on one side of my terrariums. And I always use visual light and uvb. Makes for much happier snakes imo. I keep the UTH on 24x7 unless we get unusually warm days..

[ConcinusMan]

Agreed. They seem to be "happier" with simulated sunlight. UTH alone just doesn't cut it.

[Scott E.]

They still get the sunlight from the window. But the cage is in my son's air conditioned bedroom. Your are right about the sunlight. We moved them to the back of the house last year, and they didn't do near as well. We moved them back to the sunny side of the house after brumation and they are much happier.