How to Install Pangaea Under Tank Heating Pad for Reptiles

Updated at: 14/02/2025

Providing your reptile with the perfect basking spot is crucial for their health and wellbeing, and a properly installed under-tank heater (UTH) is key to achieving this. Pangaea UTHs are a popular choice among reptile keepers for their reliability and even heat distribution, but incorrect installation can lead to burns, overheating, or even malfunction. Understanding the proper installation process is vital to ensuring your reptile's comfort and safety. A poorly installed heater not only compromises your pet's well-being but also risks damaging your tank and potentially causing a fire hazard.

This article will guide you through a step-by-step process for safely and effectively installing your Pangaea under-tank heating pad, ensuring your reptile enjoys the benefits of consistent warmth without risk. We'll cover everything from selecting the correct size to securing the pad and monitoring temperature, leaving you confident in your reptile's thermal environment. Let's dive into the detailed instructions.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • 20 gallon aquarium
  • Medium size under tank heating pad
Safety Guidelines
  • Never place the heating pad directly under the reptile's enclosure. Always use a substrate (like paper towels, tile, or a heat-retaining mat) between the pad and the tank bottom to prevent burns and overheating.
  • Always monitor the temperature inside the enclosure using an accurate thermometer, both on the warm side and the cool side. Adjust the thermostat setting to maintain the appropriate temperature range for your reptile species.
  • Regularly inspect the heating pad's cord and connections for any signs of damage (fraying, cracks). A damaged heating pad presents a serious fire hazard and should be immediately replaced.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Heating Pad

    • Remove the adhesive backing paper from the heating pad.
    Remove the adhesive backing paper from the heating pad.
    Prepare the Heating Pad

  2. Position the Heating Pad

    • Position the heating pad either on the side or bottom of the tank.
    Position the heating pad either on the side or bottom of the tank.
    Position the Heating Pad

  3. Secure the Heating Pad

    • Place the heating pad on the aquarium.
    • Press the heating pad firmly onto the tank to ensure it sticks securely.
    Press the heating pad firmly onto the tank to ensure it sticks securely.Press the heating pad firmly onto the tank to ensure it sticks securely.
    Secure the Heating Pad

  4. Elevate the Tank

    • Lift the tank slightly using the feet provided with the heating pad.
    • Attach the feet to the corners of the tank to lift it and allow the cord to fit underneath.
    Attach the feet to the corners of the tank to lift it and allow the cord to fit underneath.Attach the feet to the corners of the tank to lift it and allow the cord to fit underneath.
    Elevate the Tank

  5. Connect the Power

    • Plug in the heating pad.

Read more: How to Deep Clean Your Leopard Gecko's Tank: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • For snakes or reptiles needing assistance with digestion, place the heating pad on the bottom of the tank.
  • The heating pad is compatible with heat-soluble substrates like sand.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Placement of the Heating Pad

Reason: Placing the heating pad directly under the enclosure's substrate or on top of it instead of on the bottom of the tank, leading to uneven heating or potential burns.
Solution: Ensure the heating pad is securely placed on the bottom of the tank, completely under the substrate.

2. Using the Wrong Size Heating Pad

Reason: Using a heating pad that's too large or too small for the enclosure can create hot or cold spots, negatively impacting the reptile's health and comfort.
Solution: Choose a heating pad that covers roughly one-third of the tank's bottom area, ensuring even heat distribution.

FAQs

How do I determine the correct size of the Pangaea Under Tank Heater for my reptile enclosure?
Measure the bottom surface area of your reptile enclosure. Choose a Pangaea Under Tank Heater that covers at least 1/3 to 1/2 of the enclosure's floor space, ensuring your reptile has a thermal gradient and can choose its preferred temperature.
Can I place the Pangaea Under Tank Heater directly under the substrate?
No. Always place the Pangaea Under Tank Heater on a non-combustible, flat surface *underneath* the enclosure. Never directly under the substrate or bedding as this can create a fire hazard.
My reptile's enclosure isn't getting warm enough, what should I do?
First, ensure the heater is correctly plugged in and functioning. Check that it's properly sized for the tank. Make sure there's proper contact between the heater and the enclosure's bottom. You may need to use a thermostat to better regulate the temperature. If the problem persists, contact Pangaea customer support.
Providing your reptile with the ideal temperature is crucial for its health and well-being, and a properly installed Pangaea Under Tank Heating Pad is a key component. Before we dive into the installation process, remember that the success of any heating system depends heavily on the overall terrarium design. If you're still designing your reptile's habitat, or looking for inspiration for a stylish and functional enclosure, you might find our guide on five exceptional reptile enclosures with innovative door mechanisms helpful. These examples showcase how a well-designed terrarium can complement and optimize heating solutions. Now, let's proceed with installing your Pangaea Under Tank Heating Pad.