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Question:

Can I use a personal space heater inside my snake's tank habitat?

I have a mini (just like 5x6 inch) Lasko personal space heater. It is not originally intended for heating for tanks and cages, but since it is ceramic I was 't sure if it would be okay. It has safety features such as overheat protection and cool touch housing. Would it be good to use in the tank for the snake? He's a baby cornsnake, and the tank is a 29 gallon glass tank (like an aquarium). I already have a heating pad and two heat lamps, but it still won't get warm enough. And I don't want to use central heating to heat the whole house just for his small space. Not to mention, it just stopped working. I know I can get a conventional ceramic heat emitter, but since this is what I have, I'm hoping it will work.

Answer:

Rule of thumb with reptiles: Never put any heat source inside of the cage. Sounds like the house is fairly cool. What are the wattages you are using for the two lamps and also what are the current temps (day/night)? Please add this detail. I do have a suggestion as to part of the problem. The average 29 gallon tanks are talls, not longs or wides. When tanks are talls, they are harder to heat and maintain that heat.
I agree with Ferris. I am generally against putting most electrical equipment INSIDE a reptile enclosure, unless it was specifically designed for that, (in other words, designed to deal with water humidity, to be shat upon, etc) You could certainly aim it into the tank, provided you have a good thermometer to gauge the temps, (you don't want to overheat it either.) The first thing I would do If I were you is to reevaluate the type and wattage's of bulbs you are using. Maybe a higher wattage bulb can solve your problem.

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