Temperature regulation

[tress29]

I have a 5 gallon Kritter Keeper that I'm thinking of setting up for a crested.  My apartment is only 68 deg.  What's my best option to raise the temps during the day?

Theresa in Indy

[smith710]

You can either get a small heat pad, pretty much the smallest one you can find, or put a very low watt light on the cage.

[tress29]

I found an 8 watt heat pad, rated for 5-10 gallons, or there is a light for the KK with a 7 watt bulb.  It would be nice to just remove the light when the weather warms up, while the heat pad would be stuck on there!

Theresa in Indy

[Liz]

i think the 5-10 gallon heat pad would be a little too much but you know even if you do find a smaller one... sometimes they have them for liek hermit crabs, you can always just leave it unplugged when the weather gets warmer.

[tress29]

So I put the heat pad on the back?  Would it be better on the end so there's a cooler side?  And yes, I wouldn't use it in the summer.  We pack up Sephira's glass lid and lights in the summer, no electric heat needed.

Theresa in Indy   

[daniellec]

I know from my experience it is better to manipulate your room than try to manipulate the temps in the actual cage.  Cresteds and heat just end bad to be honest and a lightbulb in the KK is a great way to burn your crested.  68 is not too cold at all and if ever in doubt remember heat is far more deadly than cold.  Why not bump up your heat 2 degrees, or do nothing its really fine?  At night it gets in the high 60's in my gecko room and in the low 70's during the days in the winter, but like you said spring/summer is right around the corner and temps will be back up- save your money heat pads should only be used when you loose all heat sources in the winter like lack of electricity or gas.