Snail on heat mat?

[kippen]

Hi! Know it's been a while since I was last on here! Loads of changes have taken place in my life over the last few months... mainly for the better

Does anybody know if it would be ok have a snail directly in contact with the heat mat? Obvs on a thermostat so won't get too hot. As I'm still in the process of constructing the large wooden viv which is now all set and safely water proofed other than heating... whilst the snailies are still in their old tank I've been experimenting (of sorts) with temp control and the viv alone doesn't maintain the correct temp so would need the mat but being wood means it can't go on the outside and wasn't sure whether putting it on the inside would be safe or would I still need to cover it with something to stop them sitting directly on it in case their slime or rasping caused damage to the heat mat and in turn damage to them?!

I didn't really consider this before as the other animals I keep now have no problem being in direct contact with a controlled heat mat as long as they can't get underneath it... but then again none of them could slime or chew on it!

Oh and if you think it would be best to cover it any suggestions on what with would be great

[jolovessnailies]

It is great to have you back love and I am so glad your life has improved. I am no expert by any means but I wouldn't be happy with my snailies being in direct contact with a heat mat. I may be quite wrong and it has been done before and successful but I just think it would be best covered.

Hugs
Jo xx

[etana]

I think I would try to cover it with a heat conducting material. Also make sure it's safe to use inside wet tanks in the first place; my heatmats have come with cautions against that.

I think I once saw a thread here about a heat mat holder made out of two sheets of glass. I don't recall how it worked out in the long run though.

[kippen]

Thanks guys I didn't feel right leaving it uncovered either so thought it safer to ask

I've got some left over heat resistant sticky back vinyl flooring that I used to line the viv anyway so figure it'll be safe to use that as its designed for under floor heating and sealing it round the edges should protect it from the moisture

[jolovessnailies]

You are very welcome love. My snailies have one huge one stuck to the back of the tank and as they are near the heater I know they are all nice and toastie warm.

Hugs
Jo xx

[MasterOfArts]

Yeah I agree.

Its when they fail it can be fatal, at least when its covered although it gives them that little extra chance of survival.

Ive seen many break down both in work and in my hobbies,some did go extremely hot and thankfully the electronic thermometers in use had audible alarms which I am actually surprised I dont see them used often in hobbies.

If anyone does want to buy a temperature alarm, here is one I found earlier but I havent tried this model this is just to give folks an idea ebay link: rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F322552648745

£6 - £10 so no bad in price.

[jolovessnailies]

I am always looking for damage on my little babies because of one falls in the night and obviously I am asleep, it could go unnoticed. I think my little chaps are quite good at hanging on though, it is when they have snaily dreams that they lose concentration and fall if they are on the roof LOL! A temperature alarm is a great idea and you are right MOA love, not a bad price. Mine are housed in my bedroom which is heated all year round and they seem to love it.

Hugs
Jo xx

[MasterOfArts]

I do have a heat mat or 2 myself.

My snail housing is currently sitting on top of the hood on my vivarium.

I cut a bit of black contiplast board, stuck some rubber feet on it and it sits on top of the hood ad the stand with the snails home on top of that.

During the day the temperature is about 26c, nice and warm for rectics and Achatina achatina and when the lights go off at night it drops to about 23 -24c (ambient room temperature).

Part of the reason I sat it on top of the board was to stop the bottom from beveling from the weight of the soil.

[jolovessnailies]

I am sure mine have invisible little duvets, they always look so content lol. We have night storage heaters which I do not like but when they are off they leave the place nice and warm for the snailies and other babies I have. I make sure it is never cold in there.

Hugs
JO xx