The main reason that heat mats are so popular is that they are cheaper and more efficient to run that other heating systems. Because of their gentle heat source they do not require any form of guard plus their life span is much higher than ceramic bulbs.

The heat mat should be placed in the hot zone of the vivarium. It should cover approximately 1/3 of the floor space and definitely no more than 1/2, as you must allow your pet a cool zone to prevent it from getting overheated.

The heat mat is can be either mounted on the side of the tank, or on the bottom. If you are housing a burrowing species, then it is recommended that you mount the heat mat vertically on the back of the cage.

If you are positioning the mat on the base of the tank, you must ensure that the substrate is not too thick. This is because most substrate has good insulating properties and this could cause the heat mat to overheat with the added problem of heat not getting into the tank.

Glass Vivarium Use

If you are using a glass or plastic tank then the heat mat is placed outside the tank. If you are positioning it at the bottom then the heat mat should sit on a polystyrene base the same dimensions as the base of the tank. The tank is then placed on top. The polystyrene provides insulation directing the heat upwards toward the tank.

Wooden Vivarium Use

Wooden vivarium’s require that the heat mat is placed inside the tank. This means that you must be careful that the heat mat does not get damaged, either during insulation or later by your pet. If in doubt it is safer to mount it on the side. You must ensure that the heat mat is securely fixed by using a good quality adhesive tape.