Heat Mats and Strips produce ultra long wavelength infra red heat. This wavelength is invisible to the human eye and tends to heat furnishings in the cage rather than the air. This action of heating is very similar to the sun and it has the ability to heat anything that it strikes but with the air temperature remaining much lower. Reptiles absorb this in a manner very similar to basking in a natural environment. Heat mats do get warm but provide a very gentle warmth which the animal can sit under or on top of. Used under normal conditions Habistat heat mats cannot burn.
Directions: Heat mats can be used on the floor or mounted on the wall of the vivarium. When using on the floor on the inside of a cage it is imperative that some safeguards are adhered to. If substrate is used, it should be kept to less than I cm deep. Many substrates have very good insulative properties (Vermiculite, wood chips etc.) and placing too much over the heat mat will stop the heat getting into the vivarium where it is needed.

The Heat mat should cover 1/3 - 1/2 of the floor space within the vivarium.

Finally
Remember, never install heating and then leave it unattended. Establish that the installation is correct and that the vivarium is being maintained at the desired temperature. Never expose animals to any risk of over heating. Once installed, heating should be tested for a minimum of 48 hours prior to the introduction of livestock. Do not risk the animal's safety!