Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

[tafkadaz]

Just after a little bit of advice after building my Ig Viv http://myiguana.hopto.org,
i decided to start creating my Leo Viv's i have done the first bank of 3 and also a large one built into a bookcase i built in kids room.
I am adding a bank of 4-8 under the original 3 and would like a bit of advice on heat mats.
If i had a bank of 8 all in same area no drafts etc and ran a heat mat or 2 under the back 2 thirds of the tank would this be sufficient to heat it, also i use my mats outside the Viv and the material (laminated board) is approx 12-14mm thick wood will the heat be able te penetrate this also what is the best substrate to allow good heat conduction obviously paper towels are thin therefore more heat would come through.
Finlay how well do dimmer stats work with heat mats, i know pulse prop are probably better but i have a spare 600w dimmer one.
Finally location of the probe touching the bottom of the tank or raised???

Last but not least lighting, i want to be able to see my Leo's at night etc i have been looking at the moonlight bulbs 15w, but by the time you buy a bulb and es fitting and cable, it is quite expensive, so i had an idea of maybe using 30mm decking led's blue in colour no heat production, what do you think?

I know the substrate question is kinda thrashed out a lot i am not asking the best substrate just what the different properties regarding heat etc are with each one.And what i should look out for if substrate is thick and the gecko digs it will be hotter on the wood than the substrate.
Should i use mat inside etc.


Thanks in advance.

[serpent]