Maximum safe surface temperature for Kane heat mats?

vladimir

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I have an 18x28 Kane mat without the integrated temperature controls, attached to an independent thermostat with the temp sensor secured to the wall a few inches above the mat.

I was wondering, is there a maximum safe temperature for the surface of the mat? It tends to be around 105-110F, but depending on the room temps I've seen it around 115F. Our sulcata seems to enjoy it though, I just want to make sure it doesn't get too hot and cause any harm.

Thanks!
 

Yvonne G

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I don't allow mine to get above 90F.
 

vladimir

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I don't allow mine to get above 90F.

Oh wow, okay. Can you remind me what kind of thermostat setup you have? I think you have a different brand mat, but I'm curious how you have the temperature probe mounted and what the thermostat is set to. :)
 

Yvonne G

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Yes, we have different brands. Mine is the Stansfield heat mat, with a controller that you dial up or down on a 1 - 10 scale. I have to dial it up or down until I reach the temp I'm looking for, then leave it at that setting. I check it every so often to make sure its remaining true
 

vladimir

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@Big Charlie I believe I remember you mentioned you used a Kane mat for Charlie - do you know what the surface temps on yours are at typically when measured with a temp gun?

I switched the mat to its own thermostat (instead of using the same one was the RHP) as I felt that having one temp sensor controlling both was causing the mat to run too often. The RHP is on a Zilla thermostat, and I just got one of the blue Inkbird ones for the Kane mat.

Where does everyone have their temperature probe mounted in relation to the heat mat? The temperature reading a few inches above the mat is showing 82F,

Sorry for all the questions, I just want to make sure my little guy has got the best setup possible. :D
 

Tom

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Just plug it in to the thermostat and don't worry about it. They have built in safeties now that prevent them from overheating.

How are you measuring 115? What device and how are you using it. That seems surprisingly high.
 

vladimir

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Just plug it in to the thermostat and don't worry about it. They have built in safeties now that prevent them from overheating.

How are you measuring 115? What device and how are you using it. That seems surprisingly high.

I've got a variety of infrared temperature sensors - this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0759DD7PF/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20 has a "Max" mode where you can scan it over the surface and it displays the hottest temperature it encounters. I also have another similar model, and a TempGun (http://www.reptilebasics.com/TG-1) - all of which show readings from 105-115 when scanned over the surface of the mat from about 6".

Even with the hottest readings though, the mat isn't too hot to place my hand on and hold it there.
 

Len B

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Have you checked the temp under your tortoise while it's setting on the heat mat ? I set a large thick book on the mat for a couple hours and then check the temps under the book and surrounding areas to get a true reading of what temperature the tortoise is setting on after being there for a while.
 

vladimir

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@Turtulas-Len good idea, I'll give that a try. Any idea what temps you normally see with your mat?

I'm also going to try placing a temp probe directly on the mat for awhile rather than using the infrared temp guns to see if the readings are any different
 

Len B

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My setups are different than yours, I don't use thermostats, I use rheostats. By using a rheostat I get a constant steady mat temp without the electric turning off and on like what happens when a thermostat is used. I have a 3x4 ft Stanfield in my sulcatas house and Stanfields are made to run about 30 degrees above the surrounding temps if no controller is used, so I just cut back on the wattage to the mat to achieve a proper mat temperature.The mat temp I look for is between 85 to 90 F. I have 2 other heat sources in his house I use to heat the air so the mat stays close to the proper temp.
 

vladimir

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My setups are different than yours, I don't use thermostats, I use rheostats. By using a rheostat I get a constant steady mat temp without the electric turning off and on like what happens when a thermostat is used. I have a 3x4 ft Stanfield in my sulcatas house and Stanfields are made to run about 30 degrees above the surrounding temps if no controller is used, so I just cut back on the wattage to the mat to achieve a proper mat temperature.The mat temp I look for is between 85 to 90 F. I have 2 other heat sources in his house I use to heat the air so the mat stays close to the proper temp.

Gotcha, that makes sense. I have one of these digital thermometers on the mat right now ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MD3MFA/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20 ) and it's showing around 104F, while the infrared temp gun pointed at the same area shows about 115F.
 

wellington

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This is what the Kane sight says.
When installed without temperature controls, your Kane Pet Heat Mats will heat to a constant 37 degrees Fahrenheit above ambient temperature
Tortoisesuppy.com sells them and states they do not get hot enough to burn a tortoise.
 

vladimir

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Thanks, I do remember reading that. I actually ordered mine through tortoisesupply.com.

I put a brick on the mat for about 30 minutes and used an infrared temp sensor to check the temperature of the bottom of the brick immediately after removing it from the mat. It was about 95F on the part of the brick in contact with the mat.
 

Diamond

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Does anyone put any dirt on their kane heat mat? I know the manufacture says not to, but I was wondering if anyone has. I have a Russian and a Dalmatian. I just got the mats and they are sitting on top them under a hide, but i'm sure they would love to burrow under some warm dirt. I'm using these mats in the their outdoor enclosures.
 

vladimir

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Does anyone put any dirt on their kane heat mat? I know the manufacture says not to, but I was wondering if anyone has. I have a Russian and a Dalmatian. I just got the mats and they are sitting on top them under a hide, but i'm sure they would love to burrow under some warm dirt. I'm using these mats in the their outdoor enclosures.
I do not. Occasionally some mulch gets dragged on top but I try to keep it clear of debris. I would avoid any burrowing substrate on top of it. not worth the risk of fire IMO
 

Yvonne G

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Does anyone put any dirt on their kane heat mat? I know the manufacture says not to, but I was wondering if anyone has. I have a Russian and a Dalmatian. I just got the mats and they are sitting on top them under a hide, but i'm sure they would love to burrow under some warm dirt. I'm using these mats in the their outdoor enclosures.
I'm curious why you feel the need for heat mats with hibernating species?
 

Ray--Opo

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This is what the Kane sight says.
When installed without temperature controls, your Kane Pet Heat Mats will heat to a constant 37 degrees Fahrenheit above ambient temperature
Tortoisesuppy.com sells them and states they do not get hot enough to burn a tortoise.
Would the Kane mat be ok for my sully? 1/2 yrs old, 8 in and 1300 grams.
 

Diamond

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I don't hibernate them, they are only 2 years old. It can get down to freezing where we are (not yet though). We aren't in the city. I have indoor enclosures, but now that they have had a summer outside in their enclosures, they aren't real happy indoors anymore.
 

Ray--Opo

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This is what the Kane sight says.
When installed without temperature controls, your Kane Pet Heat Mats will heat to a constant 37 degrees Fahrenheit above ambient temperature
Tortoisesuppy.com sells them and states they do not get hot enough to burn a tortoise.
I meant 1 1/2 yrs old
 
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