Since I've changed our substrate from bark/coconut husk to newspaper, and winter arrived about 10 days ago in Queensland, I've had troubles maintaining temps in our enclosure. At first i thought the digital thermometer was faulty as temps dropped from 24-32 daily down to just 22-25. I've put a cover across the top to try to keep the heat and humidity in but it doesn't seem to be working. I've now put a blanket around his cool hide end where he sleeps at night but I've noticed he is spending a lot more of his day down under his heat lampwhere the ground temp is closer to 24-28.
So, when i bought this set up, the seller also provided a 40W URS Ultimate Heart Mat but i don't where to put it. It is too wide (40x60cm) for the tank which is only 35 cm wide. So can i just put it right under the tank, which is currently sitting on top of a wooden chest? Does it need any insulation between the chest and the mat, or if i put it inside does it matter if the edges are curled up a bit and is it safe to put the mat under newspaper as a substrate? And finally (for now) should i put the mat under his hide or elsewhere in the tank. ...?
So, when i bought this set up, the seller also provided a 40W URS Ultimate Heart Mat but i don't where to put it. It is too wide (40x60cm) for the tank which is only 35 cm wide. So can i just put it right under the tank, which is currently sitting on top of a wooden chest? Does it need any insulation between the chest and the mat, or if i put it inside does it matter if the edges are curled up a bit and is it safe to put the mat under newspaper as a substrate? And finally (for now) should i put the mat under his hide or elsewhere in the tank. ...?