Reptile heating mats for keeping water warm?

[BuckeyeFoodie]

Hey all, I was wondering if anyone has tried reptile/seedling heating mats under their water fonts as a way to keep them from freezing? I use diy 5 gallon plastic buckets with water cups, and last year I had a heat-lamp set one on fire so I really don't want to do that again this year! I have a few seedling mats and wanted to try those, just don't want to waste my time if it won't work.

 

[EmtheFishLady]

Reptile heating mats have been known to melt plastic. I’d be careful with those.

I know nothing of seedling mats, because I have a black thumb.

 

[BuckeyeFoodie]

Reptile heating mats have been known to melt plastic. I’d be careful with those.

I know nothing of seedling mats, because I have a black thumb.

Reptile mats and seedling mats are the same thing. Looks like I'll e going back to heat lamps, and just hoping I can find the sweet spot!

 

[EmtheFishLady]

There are low heat water de-icers you could use?

 

[Trisseh]

I wouldn’t use one of the heating mats, they definitely leave much to be desired in temp regulation. Theoretically you could use a thermostatic controller and potentially avoid melting issues, but why go through all that extra effort?

@aart has a neat article on an aquarium heater system. Although with the cups, I don’t really know how you’ll keep those from freezing because water stays in the valve.
Horizontal nipples would be a better option. That being said, it also depends on your temperatures and what “cold” is. Here we get long stretches of -30 to -40 Celsius that hold on for days on end, so cups would never work for me during winter.
I’ll link to the article below for you to check out.

Aart’s heated waterer

 

[BuckeyeFoodie]

That being said, it also depends on your temperatures and what “cold” is. Here we get long stretches of -30 to -40 Celsius that hold on for days on end, so cups would never work for me during winter.
I’ll link to the article below for you to check out.

Aart’s heated waterer

I'm in central Ohio, so we also have had hellish stretches at -30/40c, but our typical "cold" winter temp is around -10.

Another option is to use the heat mats with metal feed pans on top. I'd have to refill more often, but it would get the job done.

 

[Trisseh]

I'm in central Ohio, so we also have had hellish stretches at -30/40c, but our typical "cold" winter temp is around -10.

Another option is to use the heat mats with metal feed pans on top. I'd have to refill more often, but it would get the job done.

I would for sure still use a thermostat controller, you’ll save a bit of electricity and run less risk of them getting too hot. I got a decent one from Amazon for like $20, and currently it’s in use in the quail waterer with the aquarium heater; I’m pleased with it and the water stays just a couple degrees above freezing.