What Size Heat Mat + Watts For Hatchlings Recommended Setup For Beginner?

[cemspec]

Hi Everyone

I am new to snakes and about to buy two hatchlings that will be in their individual clip clap containers for 12mths what is a good size heat mat to buy that I can put both of them on and what size watts would be recommended for them thats not going to heat them up too much but still do the job? Could someone please answer for me. Plus do I put the container straight on the heat mat (I know only half of it) or do I put something between it eg towel, tile, cardboard etc? Does anyone have a secondhand one that they are not using that they would like to get rid of? Thanks for your help

[Ewan]

Hi cemspec and welcome to the forum. Congrats on your new snake. What species did you decide on?I would recommend that your buy a thermostat to run your heat source. This will ensure that your animal won't die from overheating. A heat mat is fine and they are. at that size. a low wattage. About 10 watts I think. Just get one big enough to cover 1/3rd of each tub. I usually wrap the heat mat in a tea towel or something to protect the plastic and what underneath it. Ensure that you have enough ventilation in the tub to allow air circulation. I usually ventilate the cool end. Additionally, ensure you monitor the temperatures with a dual probe thermometer, or 2 seperate ones, if the hot end does not get warm enough you can heat more of the tub. Or if it gets too hot you can ventilated the warm side. Be sure to consider everyone elses advice and use what works best for you. Hope this helps.

[cemspec]

Hi Ewan thanks for that I havent got my snakes yet but am getting a pair of blonde macs soon cant wait but need to get the heat mat first so I might get a 10 watts to start with they are on ebay for a reasonable price so might get one from there and the tea towel is a good idea. If its a 10 watts I shouldnt need a thermostat at this stage would I? I can check it with a thermomita regularly maybe.

[Nelly]

Cemspec, you're definitely better off grabbing a thermostat. I know it's difficult to justify spending the $130 odd dollars, but it will definitely give you peace of mind. Don't even think about not getting one.

I just purchased some stuff from http://www.wehaveitall.com.au and I have to say it was a worthwhile investment. I'd stick to microclimate for both the heatmat and the thermostat.

[Ewan]

Cemspec, as Nelly suggested buy a reputable brand of heat mat and thermostat. I have had friends run cheap heat mats with no thermostat only to have them stop working after 6 months and ended up buying a good one anyway. A good thermostat and good heat mat should last you many years. If you have spent 4 or 5 hundred odd dollars on a pair nice blonde macs then then its worth spending the 150 dollars on some top gear. Keep in mind once you have the gear you can use it again in their next enclosure when they out grow their click clacks.

[cemspec]

Hi Guys I am currently looking at buying a snake tank (wood with sliding glass doors) it has a thermostat with it plus a ceramic heater light in it if I put the two click clack containers in that and use the heater light with the thermostat do I still need to put the hatchlings on a heat mat? Not sure if these are silly questions but need to know so I dont kill my babies.

[Shadowmist]

T hermostat will only measure where it is. If it is in the tank, and not the click-clacksthere could be quite a temp difference. If the radient heat is going directly into the click-clack then it will be like a car in the sun 40 - 50 C while the enclosure might be at 30. Remember that you can get it all set up prior to getting the snakes, and test out the temps in and around the Click-clacks.I would consider spending a week with empty click clacks and plot temp max min in each. Read the breed specific details on optimum temps and required ranges. There should be stuff already on the lists (do a search).

Go get a dual thermometer unit (australian geographic/ Jaycar/ Dicksmith/etc) this will record max and min. Should be able to get one of these fairly cheaply.
most of the hardware you get eill last a fair time. Depending where you are and whether your place is A/C then Cooling might be more important than heating (FN QLD Vs Melbourne). A heat mat is inexpensive, and even if you don't use it in the short term, you will eventually.