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Tarantula heat sources are one of the most crucial elements of successfully keeping a T. Also, by far the number one controversial area of the hobby that I have witnessed. I have heard for years and years how dangerous heat mats can be. I have used them for years in my T and Scorpion enclosures successfully. I always make sure the size is no more than half the enclosure. Always follow established guidelines on substrate depth and appropriate substrates for each species. This ensures that the critter can have some say in regulating its internal temperature. There are now different heat ranges you can purchase as well. They also now have thermostats to assist in keeping the mat from overheating.
I continue to read about the dangers associated with these heat pads and tarantulas. I am of the belief that no tarantula is going to "cook" themselves if they have areas of the enclosure that they can move to and avoid that. My possible theories on these "cooked" tarantulas are:
1.) Was not enough substrate to diffuse and spread the heat correctly. This could potentially create the "hot spot" that gets referred to.
2.) Tarantula's may have died from poor care such as no water source being available?
3.) Someone lost another type of pet due to over heat issues?
So, my fellow T experts, I am challenging all of you to come forward and actually share an experience that YOU have personally witnessed that can point to overheating a T due to using a heat pad. Hoping there are no responses to this.
I continue to read about the dangers associated with these heat pads and tarantulas. I am of the belief that no tarantula is going to "cook" themselves if they have areas of the enclosure that they can move to and avoid that. My possible theories on these "cooked" tarantulas are:
1.) Was not enough substrate to diffuse and spread the heat correctly. This could potentially create the "hot spot" that gets referred to.
2.) Tarantula's may have died from poor care such as no water source being available?
3.) Someone lost another type of pet due to over heat issues?
So, my fellow T experts, I am challenging all of you to come forward and actually share an experience that YOU have personally witnessed that can point to overheating a T due to using a heat pad. Hoping there are no responses to this.