Undertank heater

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This is a heating device created by the pet industry for husbandry of reptiles and amphibians. It is a flat piece of metal and plastic similar to a heating pad which adheres to the underside of a glass aquarium or terrarium, which then must be slightly elevated to avoid pinching the cord.

Plugged in, undertank heaters provide even warmth under the pad. A substrate must be used, and the device should always be connected to a thermostat or rheostat to prevent it from overheating and burning the animals.

Aquaria can also be heated by the use of heating mats which are placed beneath aquaria.[1] Glass is, however, a poor conductor of heat and thus reduces the efficiency of this method of heating.[2]

Undertank heaters should be checked regularly for discoloration or wear, and temperatures should be carefully monitored as well. Malfunction in an undertank heater could result in higher temperatures which might burn or kill animals, or even start a fire.

References

  1. ↑ Sanford, Gina (1999). Aquarium Owner's Guide. New York: DK Publishing. p. 169. ISBN 0-7894-4614-6. 
  2. ↑ Riehl, Rüdiger. Editor.; Baensch, HA (1996. 5th Edn.). Aquarium Atlas. Germany: Tetra Press. ISBN 3-88244-050-3. 


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