Heat Mat Questions

[wesley]

Hey all,

I have two new 10gallon tanks, one with Asian Tramp and Cuban Browns, the other Cornu Aspersum.
I've been maintaining (sorry, US measurements here) about 77/78 degrees F, and 78% humidity.  Not bad right?
But I'm interested in heat pads to make conditions just perfect; however, now that I have them in my hands (Zoo Med size small for 10-20 gallons) and I went to put them on the back of the tank... some of my cubans were sliming their way over and I thought - wait, if this is able to scorch the bottom of a glass tank, is it going to burn my guys??  
And if I place the mat on the bottom, I'm worried about them burrowing too close.  I think i read last night about some sort of carpet that I can put on the bottom to prevent burns if I put the mat underneath.  
Also read about celotex or expanded polystyrene insulation maybe for the winter, but I still worry about that heat mat right up against the glass...
What do you guys do?
Thanks so much for anything you can offer!
Wesley

[Jade]

I think that you should put the mat on the side of the tank, which not only prevents them burrowing and cooking themselves, but also creates a heat gradient in the tank - a hotter end and a cooler end.

I can understand the concern about them climbing over the hot mat, sometimes my mats feel hot to the touch so I will spray the wall with water and leave the lid off the tank for a bit so it cools down. I think if the mat does get hot though, they will avoid climbing over it.

In regards to the temp and humidity, unfortunately I do not have experience with these particular snails so can not help you there.

[wesley]

Thanks Jade, that's what my friend was saying, but it just freaked me out to place the mat right where one of my guys was resting. I'm not looking for escargot here!

[Liguus]

The species you mentioned will be fine at room temperature with no heat pad, especially C. aspersum which tolerates cold winters.

If you do get one I think putting it on the side, like what was mentioned, is a good idea. I would also put a thermometer inside to make sure the temperature doesn't get too hot.

[Jade]

The name "Asian Tramp snails" always amuses me. Just thought I would mention

[wesley]

Hahahaha! I know! What an unfortunate name!!
Ok, ok - all good things to know - I've read that before, I thought maybe the heat would help with humidity a bit (and it did last night, but also made the temp rise over 80 which I know is too hot - I've got a thermometer and humidity gauge in there), but I think we're doing just fine with moist soil, a plexiglass (with holes) sealed lid and room temp. I might be glad to have the mats in the winter though... might help them stay more active. Thanks for all your help!

[Jade]

It is recommended to attach a thermostat to your heat mat if you haven't already, this way you can maintain the correct temperature for your little guys.