Heated mats: top 7 best, types, how to choose

You can make a room warm with the help of a special heated floor, which can be installed under the carpet. Modern technologies allow you to decorate the room as comfortable and convenient as possible. Today, many people install underfloor heating systems that provide comfortable movement around the apartment. Such systems are very practical and functional. Typically, such systems are covered with materials that have low thermal insulation. But if you decide to lay carpet or carpet in the room at the same time, you should think about which covering will be optimal and will not disrupt the flow of heat.

Terms of use

In order for the product to serve for a long time, you must adhere to certain rules.

The operating network for heating mats must maintain only 220 V. If you want to use the mat in the car interior or in a room such as a utility room or change room, you will have to worry about maintaining the voltage exclusively at 220 V. In some cases, you will need to spend additional money on equipment.
It is worth mentioning a possible short circuit. Even considering that a special film is used to make a heated carpet to insulate the heating elements, there is still the possibility of a short circuit.

Do not allow the heating product to come into contact with water. Let's say an electric carpet can be laid in the corridor in the bathhouse, but not in the recreation area, where contact with liquid and high humidity are obvious. Exceptions only for special models with moisture protection.
Also, when purchasing such a product, you should carefully study what is indicated in the instructions for it. Many floor mats with a heating effect are produced abroad, where different electrical safety and electrical regulations apply. Therefore, your purchase may simply not work in domestic power grids. To avoid this, it is better to prefer products from Russian manufacturers.

Recoloration of leopard geckos

The color of baby leopard geckos is sometimes very different from that of an adult.

Breeders even have the concept of juvenile (children's) color, and without it it is sometimes impossible to determine the morph of an adult animal.

Below are examples of recoloring in my animals

More photos and stories about my animals on Instagram https://instagram.com/zoo_blackberry

How to choose a heated mat

Do-it-yourself rugs
Today there are rugs of any size and purpose on sale. In a small room, for example, a child's room, you can cover almost the entire flooring.

Manufacturers offer standard mats that are simply designed for heating, or products with special options. When choosing rugs, you should focus on several parameters:

appointment;
type of heating elements;
surface material;
energy consumption indicator;
presence of a thermostat;
degree of protection against electric shock.

The rug should have a pleasant finish so that it is comfortable to walk on barefoot. Equally important is high-quality protection from moisture.

Purpose

First of all, you need to determine for what purpose you are purchasing a heated mat. The dimensions of the mat depend on its purpose:

Automotive. They are used for seats or for the floor, while the floor must fit in the legs and not extend beyond the space allocated in the car. Products for cars are adapted for low voltage networks. For animals. Pets can scratch or chew the rug, so you need to choose products with increased durability. The animal should first be weaned from damaging the wires. The maximum heating temperature should not exceed 35°C. For bathroom

When purchasing a thermal bath mat, you must make sure that it has effective water-repellent properties. It is also important to pay attention to the insulation and anti-slip coating on the back side. Antifungal impregnation is applied to many models

For legs

Usually, small rugs are produced for this purpose, occupying little space. The maximum temperature is 35-40°C; exceeding this norm can cause burns. There are products whose highest temperature can reach 50°C. If such a carpet is not equipped with a thermostat, then it is better not to buy it.

The largest models are used to heat floors over large areas. In this case, you need to focus on the size of the room where you plan to lay the thermal mat.

Type of heating elements

Each type of mat heating elements has its own advantages and disadvantages:

1. The most durable mats are those using a thin electrical cable. The advantages of the models include heating speed, durability, and the ability to adjust power. But in places where the cable passes, the carpet sags over time, since the heating is uneven. Furniture cannot be placed on the product; internal elements may be damaged.

2. Infrared mats consume a minimal amount of energy, heating the entire surface evenly. Rugs are not afraid of moisture, they are not subject to overheating. However, some products are not recommended to be folded and unfolded multiple times.

Surface material

Many people choose a thermal mat based on its visual appeal. Manufacturers are trying to diversify the colors and coating materials. But in certain places - a bathroom, a car - color is not as important as performance characteristics. For wet and dirty surfaces, it is better to purchase products with a rubberized back side. It is easier to clean and does not slip.

Warm mat with a rubberized side.

Energy consumption indicator

Powerful products heat better, but also consume more electricity. A significant part of modern thermal carpets are designed using modern technologies that require minimal energy consumption. The most economical are infrared type mats.

The presence of a thermostat

The built-in thermostat greatly simplifies the use of the device. Depending on the purpose at the moment, you can set the appropriate temperature. Maximum heating will help create a comfortable atmosphere throughout the room, and you can use medium temperature for your feet. The best choice would be a model with auto shut-off.

Warm mat with thermostat.

Degree of protection against electric shock

Safety is one of the main factors when using electrical appliances. The higher the electrical safety class of a thermal mat, the less danger the product poses during operation. Usually mats have protection class I–II.

Handicrafts after the holiday: a rug made of wine corks ^

Such a warm carpet can be made after a wedding, anniversary or other event during which a lot of wine corks were collected. For a medium-sized product, you will need about 200 wooden plugs, which need to be cut lengthwise into two halves and the rough surface treated with sandpaper.

The resulting blanks are glued onto a suitable base. The easiest way is to make a square product by simply gluing the corks in even rows, but creative individuals can get creative and place the blanks at different angles relative to each other, achieving original patterns.

Another version of the cork accessory is assembled on a fishing line or nylon cord. In this case, the work resembles assembling beads, which are then fastened together in rows. The advantage of a rope product? it is absolutely not afraid of water and dries quickly. To save traffic jams, it is recommended to connect them in a checkerboard pattern, although for such a craft it is better to leave the “beads” intact.

Varieties and features

DIY rugs made from scraps of fabric

The heated carpet was invented relatively recently. However, this does not prevent the product from being popular and in demand. The product is successfully used by people in their homes and cars. These options allow you to feel comfort and coziness without spending additional money.

Heating elements in carpets are very different: electric, infrared, jade. One of the popular models is a mat that has infrared radiation and, accordingly, an infrared heating element. With the help of a special polymer film included in its composition, heated under the influence of electric current from a regular household electrical network, it heats up and distributes infrared radiation and, accordingly, heat.

Graphite strips are heat dissipating elements. The jade variant has the same technology. However, here the heat transfer agent will be jade. The design is similar to an infrared heated carpet.

Main features of these products:

The ability to maintain warmth, comfort and coziness of your home. A special heating component is placed in the carpet. Electric models have a heating layer, which has a heating cable. Using a standard cord and plug, you can connect to the mains. A carpet is usually placed on top of the layer. Its surface will warm up within a few minutes after connecting the substrate to the network.
Low energy consumption. A standard-sized carpet that warms a room uses as much electricity as a standard light bulb. It should be noted that such rugs are not intended to effectively warm a room. The rug is designed to create coziness and extra warmth in the floor area.

Another advantage is the safety of the product. The product can heat up to a maximum of 45 degrees, so you will be protected from burns. On the contrary, the heat that the product emits will promote the active movement of blood in the legs. This floor heater will become your favorite home decor item.
Electrically heated beds take up little space. At the same time, they are quite light. They can be moved to the desired location. Therefore, you will not have difficulty choosing where to use this item. If you decide to change your interior or style, the device can be moved to another location without any problems.

Availability. The features and advantages include the availability of such a product. You can purchase a heated carpet at any store without spending all your savings. The cost will depend on the model and manufacturer.
Great mood. By purchasing a similar model for your home, you can always keep your feet warm, which means you and your household will get sick less, and your mood will only improve.

Making a heater for seedlings: a simple method

On the Internet you can find numerous options for creating a favorable temperature that is optimal for the growth of seedlings on the windowsill:

using chipboard and plywood, you can provide access to warm air masses from heating radiators;
the use of foamed polyethylene, which is laid so that heat from the radiators flows to the roots of the seedlings.

In the first case, the disadvantages include the following:

the difficult process of construction work, thanks to which the flow of warm air will be directed in the right direction;
on modern wide window sills it is not recommended to place a lot of seedlings and plants, due to too much weight load, and if the window sill is too narrow, then there is too little space on it to place a tray with seedlings;
the cold from the window lowers the temperature in the window sill area.

The only advantages include the ease of setting up such a heating system and its low cost, since chipboard or plywood can be found at almost any owner.

Considering the second case, the following inconveniences can be noted:

covers a significant part of the window, which reduces light entering the room;
a small window sill will not be able to accommodate a lot of seedlings, and modern wide ones may not be able to withstand a large volume of seedlings;
is not a durable structure, since foamed polyethylene is quite fragile.

The advantages include, as in the first case, the low cost of materials and the ease of such a design.

We propose to consider this method of heating seedlings , which is more global, as it will provide a comfortable temperature for seedlings anywhere.

In order to warm the seedlings well on cool or even cold days, for the successful cultivation of seedlings it is necessary to make insulation; its body can be made of tin. It is worth noting that if you plan to make portable insulation, you do not need to make it in large sizes, since in this case it will be difficult to lift or move.

The walls of the case can be insulated with foam plastic; for convenient transportation of the structure, make handles on the side walls by which it can be lifted.

The next question is the key one: how to heat the seedlings ? At this stage, we have a tin box insulated with foam plastic, but this is not enough to establish the desired temperature regime; for this, there must be an additional heat source at the bottom of the box.

Everyone chooses the most acceptable and easily implemented heating method for themselves: for example, the source of heat can be hot bottles of water, or you can simply install a heater. We recommend the best option - a heated floor kit, with it the seedlings will be optimally heated, and the heating process can be regulated.

A piece of IR heating film is placed at the bottom of the constructed tin box, a thermostat is connected to the film (on it you can set the exact temperature that you want to set for your plants, and the set temperature will be maintained by the device constantly).

Having considered all possible options for heating seedlings, we settled on using a “warm floor” system for several reasons:

the installed thermostat can be set to a certain temperature, which will be maintained at the desired level and, therefore, electricity will be consumed more economically;
the warm floor warms up the root system of the seedlings well, which ensures its active growth, and the open part of the insulation provides not only the lighting necessary for normal seedling growth, but also ventilation;
It’s enough to turn on the thermostat and you will no longer need to worry about how the seedlings are growing and whether the temperature is set comfortable enough for its growth;
during a period of time when there is no need to heat the seedlings, you can use the film for another purpose, for example, as a warm rug under your feet.

Seedlings that have received proper care and temperature conditions will produce good seedlings.

If you don’t know how to make a heater for seedlings using a heated floor, call our managers, who will always give professional answers to all your questions.

Advantages of laying heated floors under carpet

Ideas on how to make rugs from old things with your own hands

The positive qualities of such mobile devices are the following:

convenient to use and do not harm human health;
Can be installed under any carpet;
you can lay a heated floor under a carpet on a wooden floor, laminate, linoleum or any other base;
the possibility of thermal burns from the heating device is excluded;
do not emit electromagnetic waves;
energy consumption is 60% less compared to traditional heaters;
ease of transportation;
manufacturer's warranty for 7 years of continuous operation;
strength and resistance to mechanical damage.

There are two main types of mobile heaters:

infrared;
resistive.

In the case of an infrared heated floor under a carpet, we can say that it efficiently warms the room without burning oxygen or drying out the air. Infrared radiation heats objects in the room. Such devices are convenient to use on glazed balconies and loggias, in bay windows or on cold stairs. It is also quite common to create warm floors in a frame house using mobile rugs.

Heating is carried out by carbon paste applied in a special way to the film. It is simply laid out in the right place and connected to a power source. But a resistive floor is made of individual heating elements fixed on a film substrate

Please note that such an electric heated floor under the carpet must be grounded.

The complete set of mobile film devices necessarily includes:

heating elements of the installed type;
thermostat;
two layers of film backing and protection;
plug and power cord.

Family gatherings: fluffy pompom carpet ^

For those who don’t want to craft alone, but plan to involve the whole family in this exciting activity, a fluffy accessory made from pompoms is ideal. The most difficult thing here is to make a lot of pom-poms from multi-colored threads.

To make it, cut out two circles of the same size and make a round hole inside each of them. Next, the paper blanks are folded together and wrapped with thread to the desired thickness. After this, all that remains is to cut the threads along the outer circumference, pull the yarn in the center, and form a round pom-pom.

The finished fluffy balls will remain sewn onto a thick base, onto an old PVC mat, linen or jeans. A little imagination and you will get a funny puppy, a turtle lounging in the sun, or a slice of watermelon.

How to choose?

Having decided to purchase a heated carpet, first of all you need to understand why it is being purchased. Products of this type currently serve as a source of additional heating for floors in residential premises, work spaces, car interiors, and for other purposes and purposes.

For example, in winter, a heating mat is often placed in a dog enclosure, in an outdoor rabbitry and poultry house.

The heating carpet for a car showroom must be specially adapted for use in a low-voltage network.

Consumer reviews advise specifying the purpose of the carpet service when purchasing. For dog enclosures, the coating must be highly durable, and if you plan to use a heating mat in a steam room, it must have good insulation and water-repellent properties.

By taking into account all these important factors, you can get just such a product that will last a long time. In addition, you won’t have to overpay for unnecessary features.

In addition to the purpose of the electric carpet, you should pay attention to the “technical contents” of the product before purchasing

Regarding the shell of an electric carpet, it is usually made of carpet, but for a hallway or car, you need to choose a product with a rubberized bottom. It is much easier to clean than one made entirely of carpet. Electric carpets made of fabric or wool are available for sale. Here you have to choose a product based on appearance.

Relaxation: pebble seashore ^

What could be more pleasant than a walk along the sea coast, if it is not somewhere far away, but in your own shower? A pebble mat is not only beautiful, but also good for health - a daily foot massage will only be beneficial and will help you cheer up early in the morning. For crafts, not only sea pebbles, but also river pebbles, mosaic tiles made of pebbles, which are attached to a mesh base, are suitable.

The easiest way to make such a miracle is to take a shallow tray and pour a layer of small stones into it so that the bottom is completely covered. To prevent the walls of the tray from looking boring, they can be painted blue or covered with a green base that imitates seaweed.

The second option is a little more complicated, but no special skills are required for the job. The basis is an unnecessary and tired old rubber carpet. If you are planning a pattern, then it is better to immediately lay out the pebbles, and then, lifting each one and lubricating the base with waterproof glue, carefully attach the pebbles to the base

If you manage to buy tiles based on pebbles, the work will be greatly simplified - simply glue the finished squares to the base.

Famous manufacturers

The production of mobile heated floors under carpet has been established in Europe, Russia, Ukraine and China. If the power of such devices is approximately the same, then the sizes can vary significantly. Moreover, many companies began to produce products based on individual orders from consumers.

The industry leader at the moment is the Teplolux Express company. They offer film heated floors for carpet with dimensions of 2.8 x 1.8 m and 2.0 x 1.4 m. The upper part of the covering is protected by a layer of felt in discreet shades, which is easy to clean. For transportation, the cover can be easily rolled up and placed in a bag, and, if necessary, spread out in the garage or in the country house.

Express sells electric heated floors that are convenient to lay under laminate, tile or linoleum. They are perfect for children's rooms where the heater is placed in the center of the room.

From the Sinplen brand you can purchase a warm floor under a carpet that will function even if one of the heating elements fails. Plus, their products come in all sizes, so you can even cover the entire floor of a room.

But it is more focused on the production of small heated floor mats. With equal power, such products consume significantly less electricity.

The cost of different models of mobile carpet heaters differs slightly - it is only affected by the size of the product.

Leopard geckos

At the moment, my collection of leopard geckos numbers about 16 different individuals, of different colors. Few of them.

I practice cage keeping. When there are a lot of lizards, it is not convenient to keep them in terrariums. Ventilated containers and convenient shelving come to the rescue.

More of my animals and stories about them on my Instagram https://instagram.com/zoo_blackberry

Advantages and disadvantages

Many buyers say that a heated carpet is able to maintain an optimal indoor microclimate. Indeed, this heating object has already fallen in love with the majority of the population not only in our country. It has a lot of advantages. Such products help you save money. You will not need to spend money on resources, effort and money to install the floor. Mobile devices can be easily moved from room to room.

Among all the advantages, the models also have a number of disadvantages. Let's look at them in more detail:

Carpets must be connected in a special way. There are certain products that require sockets. It is often necessary to install protective equipment that can be used to prevent equipment failure on some rugs. Make sure that the voltage in the network where the carpet is used is strictly 220 W. For those who plan to use the product in a car or other indoor environments, you should think about this in advance. Additional financial costs may be required. It is impossible not to mention a short circuit. Of course, in the manufacture of the product, a special film is used, which is designed to protect the heating elements, but there is still the possibility of a short circuit. This is also worth remembering

Place the product in the corridor of the bathhouse, dressing room, but not in the washing room.

It is worth inspecting such a rug periodically

You just need to replace the socket with a European version. However, if you have a complex model, then some inconvenience may arise.

Caring for warm carpets

All heated mats require maintenance. This is especially required by the material of the envelope in which the heating panel will be placed. If it is carpet, then it is cleaned with the same products as regular carpets. If you purchase a mat with a heating element built into it, you will need to take precautions when cleaning it to avoid damage.

When cleaning, try to avoid getting the material of such a carpet with excess moisture, as it can ruin the pile on it. It is worth keeping an eye on your pets and stopping them from chewing such carpet products in time. The fact is that cats like to bask on them; the animal can chew through the wires and suffer from electric shock. If all operating rules are followed, a thermal carpet can last a long time.

Advantages

The electric carpet was invented relatively recently, but is already in great demand as a product not only in households, but also by motorists, tourists, athletes and even farmers. To understand the advantages of a heated carpet over similar stationary heating systems, you need to understand them in detail.

The advantages are considered:

Mobility. The carpet is not heavy, so it can be easily moved from place to place. To dismantle the system, simply unplug the device from the electrical outlet and roll up the carpet with the heating mat.
Easy to install. Prepare the device for use within the capabilities of a child. You just need to lay out the floor heater and connect it to the power supply.
Possibility to adjust the heating level. There is a thermostat to select the temperature mode. The rotation of a special lever is controlled.
Thermal safety. The mat coating does not heat up above +30 degrees, which eliminates the possibility of thermal burns. Such a warm floor can be safely used in a nursery.

Economical. The energy consumption of a mobile heated floor is almost no higher than that of its stationary counterpart. One square meter of floor system consumes approximately 250 W. Of course, based on the dimensions of the mat. Let's say a heating system of 10 sq. m, the indicator of energy consumption will be completely different.
Durability and reliability. The portable type of heating floor has high resistance to mechanical loads, temperature fluctuations, and corrosion. Even if one of the sections breaks, this will not affect the performance of the product. And in the event of a serious breakdown, the carpet turns off automatically. The device usually lasts a long time and does not cause trouble with malfunctions.
Affordable price. It’s easy to purchase a warm floor mat; you just need to visit a specialized store or buy it online. The price of the system is acceptable for many consumers.

Efficiency. A portable floor-mounted device has an efficiency of about 90% or higher.
Does not dehumidify the air, does not burn oxygen.
Does not cause allergies. There are no contraindications for use by young children.
Beneficial effects on health.
Maintaining warmth and a comfortable atmosphere in the home

The model with infrared radiation helps restore the nervous system.
A variety of colors to suit every taste and style.
Availability of a certificate and warranty for the device from the manufacturer.
Availability of detailed instructions with rules for operating the mobile heating device.

But, despite so many advantages, the electric carpet is not without its disadvantages:

The system must not be loaded with heavy weight. For example, heavy pieces of furniture should not be placed on the carpet. A heating mat in high pressure areas will react with a noticeable increase in temperature. This situation will negatively affect the condition of the device and the furniture, and will also reduce the service life of the heated carpet.
Do not cover the temperature sensor. Otherwise, it will malfunction due to improper operation.

The portable warm carpet is installed only on a flat surface. The presence of depressions, tubercles and cracks underneath will cause the film to wrinkle and bend in places of damage. These changes will have a detrimental effect on the performance of the warm floor covering.
Some models require special sockets; sometimes it is necessary to think about installing additional protective equipment to prevent electronic components from failing.

In general, users speak positively about the presence of a warm mobile carpet in the interior. Judging by consumer reviews of the warm carpet, it is advantageous to place this mobile system on the balcony for heating.

Considering the large number of advantages of the product, a heated carpet can be a profitable and useful purchase. Warmth stimulates a person’s energy, improves mood, and among other things, the carpet will not only provide warmth, but also save money. Its energy consumption does not exceed that of a conventional light bulb. Because the efficiency of the heating elements in the device is much higher than the efficiency of conventional electrical appliances.

Idea N3: Oil heater

Since technical oil has good heat transfer functions, it is widely used in heaters. You can assemble this oil heater yourself at home. To do this, you will need an old heating radiator (cast iron or bimetallic battery, register or other tubular structure), a tubular heating element, the oil itself as a coolant, sealed plugs for placing the heating element.

Rice. 11: Example of using a register control unit

To maximize the safety of the oil device, it can be supplemented with a heating sensor, the open contacts of which are connected to the power circuit.

The manufacturing process of an oil cooler is as follows:

Take the old radiator, it is important that it is replaced due to the modernization of the system, and not due to a violation of the integrity of the case. It is advisable to verify this yourself by adding liquid or at least through an external inspection.

Rice. 12: Take an old radiator
Prepare two holes in the heater - for the heating element and for filling the oil. The first hole must be equipped with a thread and located in the lower part so that the heated masses rise upward. It is more convenient to place the second hole in the upper part; when putting the heater into operation, it will also have to be sealed. In addition, holes can be made for draining the oil and for the emergency pressure relief valve.

Rice. 13. Prepare two holes
Screw the heating element into the hole on the radiator. When choosing a specific heating element model, it is important to make sure that the thread diameter matches the hole diameter, and that the kit includes oil-resistant rubber gaskets. Rice. 14: screw the heating element into the bottom hole

Another important point is that the diameter of the heating element must be such that it never touches the walls of the radiator. For sealing, linings, special compounds and tow are used.

If you left necks for oil drainage and for installing sensors, install the appropriate equipment in them. Seal all holes that will not be used in the future, leaving only the neck for filling the oil.
Fill the heater with technical oil approximately 85% of the total volume. A margin of 15% is necessary for the free space that the liquid will occupy after heating and thermal expansion. Never fill oil too close. Close the oil filler neck.

Rice. 15: Close the oil filler neck
Ground the heater to a ground loop.

It should be noted that to increase the service life of such a device, the heating element should be selected in accordance with the housing material. Otherwise, due to the large difference in the output voltage of the particles of these metals, destruction of the elements will occur. Also note that the heater will have a decent weight, so it is advisable to ensure it is securely fixed in space or make a structure for ease of movement.

Rice. 16: Wheeled design

Types of heated mats

Manufacturers try to please all users, so they offer a wide variety of heating mats. All products can be grouped by purpose and method of heating.

What types of heated mats are there depending on the heating technology?

Several technologies are used to produce warm rugs:

1. Electrical cable mats

Structurally, such products are thin wires laid throughout the mat and well insulated. The models heat up quickly, providing a comfortable floor temperature. Thermal mats are very durable and can be rolled up for storage or transportation.

Installation of a warm mat based on an electric cable.

2. Mats based on infrared radiation

The most popular version of warm mats. Graphite strips on a polymer film placed inside a special case are used as a heating element. When connected to an outlet, the film begins to emit infrared rays, which heat surrounding objects.

The device of the mat is based on a film that produces infrared radiation.

Each design has features that influence the choice of rug.

Types of warm mats depending on purpose

According to their intended purpose, heating mats can be divided into several types.

To warm your feet

Electric foot mats are small in size, effectively warm the limbs and do not pose a danger to the body. Low temperature prevents burns.

For pets

Animals that are forced to sleep on a cold floor can also catch a cold. Therefore, in order to create comfortable conditions for pets, it is advisable to purchase a heating mat.

For bathroom

After warm water, it is unpleasant to stand on cold tiles. The thermal mat will prevent you from freezing or slipping on the tile surface.

For auto

In this category, devices with infrared radiation are most often used. They consume little energy, are compact and easy to maintain.

For drying shoes

Rugs are used not only for drying shoes, but also for heating them in cold hallways without heating.

For seedlings

Growing seedlings will be much more successful if you use a special heating mat. Soft heating will prevent the death of plants from temperature changes on the windowsill.

Tail

This morning started unexpectedly and chaotically. Or a leopard gecko, a cat's tygydyk and a complete lack of understanding of what is happening.

At 7-8 in the morning, everyone in the apartment woke up from an incomprehensible loud scream. As it turned out, a 4-month-old leopard gecko escaped from his home at night and met a cat closer to the morning.

Seeing the cat approaching, the lizard got scared and started screaming, after which it dropped its tail.

Since the discarded tail wriggles due to muscle contraction, the cat, enjoying this spectacle, fell out of life for several minutes.

The fugitive was then caught and examined for other injuries.

Apart from the tail, the leopard gecko is alive and well. The tail will grow back, but unfortunately, it will no longer be as smooth and beautiful as it was “before”.

Example of a Tuesday tail on an adult gecko

More photos and stories about my animals on Instagram https://instagram.com/zoo_blackberry

The best heated mats

Next, we will review the most successful models of heated mats. Among the models considered, there are products for multi-purpose use. They differ in size and temperature produced.

Teplolux Express 300 W

A universal solution for underfloor heating in an apartment or country house. The mat is made of thin heating cable and equipped with a reliable protective sheath. Designed to be laid directly on the flooring under the carpet. Long-pile carpets are not recommended as top cover; it is better to use mats.

The mat fits into a convenient transport bag and can easily be placed in a closet for storage. The 2.5 meter power cord allows you to place the mat anywhere in the room. Heating to a maximum temperature of 30°C occurs in 1 hour.

Characteristics:

Heating area - 2.8 m²
Cord length - 2.5 m
Options - Shielded
Size - 200 x 140 cm
Maximum temperature - 30°C

Watch the product video

Heating mat CALEO

Heating mat made using infrared technology. Designed mainly for delicate drying of shoes. Thanks to its fairly large size, it can accommodate several pairs. Can also be used to warm feet or as a warm bedding for a pet.

Good insulation prevents moisture from penetrating inside. The mat is easy to clean and wash, and has auto-regulation. When the maximum temperature is reached, energy consumption is reduced several times.

Characteristics:

Heating area - 0.24 m²
Cord length - 1.7 m
Options - auto regulation
Size - 40 x 60 cm
Maximum temperature - 40°C

Watch the product video

Teplolux Carpet

Cable thermal mat, which is used for drying shoes or warming feet at home and in the office. The optimal temperature maintained by the device (40°C) does not dry out leather products, but gently warms them up without changing their shape. The canvas can accommodate up to 5 pairs, meaning you can dry shoes for the whole family. As a local heated floor, the rug can be placed anywhere.

A high-quality coating is easily cleaned of dirt and quickly restores its original appearance. For storage, there is a convenient hook on which the rug can be hung.

Characteristics:

Heating area - 0.40 m²
Cord length - 1.8 m
Options - auto regulation
Size - 50 x 80 cm
Maximum temperature - 40°C

Watch the product video

Good warmth KVLZ 60

The rug is intended for use as a warm floor covering in the bathroom. The product heats up quickly, within 5-10 minutes. Creates a comfortable temperature for the feet on the surface and slightly warms the room. Particularly relevant in the bathrooms of private houses or apartments in the off-season. The mat has a high degree of protection against moisture and is resistant to mechanical stress. The bottom surface has anti-slip properties.

Characteristics:

Heating area - 0.24 m²
Cord length - 1.5 m
Thickness - 0.5 cm
Size - 40 x 60 cm
Maximum temperature - 35-40°C

Heated mat Teplovichok

This is an infrared heating mat designed for local heating of the floor or any horizontal and even vertical surfaces. The manufacturer positions the device as a universal solution with which you can dry shoes, warm your feet, heat seedlings or animal beds. The top layer of the mat is fleecy, and the bottom layer is made in the form of a foam backing, which ensures heat retention. It can be equipped with a heating regulator.

Characteristics:

Power - 360 W
Cord length - 1.9 m, with a switch and 2.2 if the mat is with a regulator
Size - 120 x 230 cm, other options available
Maximum temperature - 42°C

Watch the product video

Heated mat “Warmth of Crimea” No. 2

An infrared warm mat, its main purpose is to dry shoes, but can also be used for other purposes. An environmentally friendly and safe carbon heating element is used inside the carpet.

Characteristics:

Power - 50 W;
Size - 50 x 33 cm;
Maximum temperature - 45°C

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About keeping leopard geckos, personal experience. Part 2. Purchasing accessories and calculating expenses

Actually, the terrarium

I deliberately do not write prices, since all the accessories were purchased several years ago and the prices, of course, have increased.

The most expensive, but one-time purchases: terrarium, heating element, background.

The terrarium should not be located in an area of direct sunlight or drafts. The terrarium must have flowing ventilation.

Pros: you can buy it at a pet store right away or order it according to your sketch immediately with a background.

Cons: look at the price; glass is quite heavy, so think about transportation.

Pros: lightweight, easy to clean, easy to transport, easy to properly ventilate. Lid latches are required.

Cons: a bit narrow, needs some work (cut for the rug), proper ventilation, background. Thermal cords and shoe dryers are not suitable for this option.

A plastic container does not need a background; it only reduces the usable space.

In other types of terrariums, a background is required; leopard geckos love to climb on shelves.

You can order the background along with the terrarium at a pet store or make it yourself (even with slightly straight hands this is quite easy to do; there are plenty of master classes on this topic in specialized groups and forums).

Background made of ceiling panel and polyurethane foam, decorated with dried oak bark.

Polystyrene foam background

Both background options are painted with artistic acrylic paints (the safest option) and covered with one layer of varnish for saunas and baths (for interior work, this varnish is resistant to high temperatures and temperature changes).

In the cold zone of the terrarium, the temperature should be between 26-28 degrees.

For a normal healthy leopard gecko, UV rays are not needed; they are (I repeat) nocturnal animals and at dawn they go to sleep in a shelter or a damp chamber.

Thermal cord (heating cable)

Let's look at this option in more detail.

You will have to place the terrarium on stands at the same height as the dryers and insulate the space between the stands with something so that some of the heat does not escape into the space.

I personally do not recommend putting other fillers, such as sponges and washcloths, sphagnum moss in a damp chamber, because the pet can taste it all, which is also fraught with big problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

In addition, leopard geckos love to dig, and females do this constantly during the laying season. Agree that digging perlite and vermiculite is much more pleasant (they are free-flowing, but tasteless) than tearing a sponge with your claws or picking apart quickly deteriorating sphagnum.

The wet chamber is installed in the cold zone of the terrarium.

The shelter is placed in a warm corner of the terrarium; the leopard gecko needs it to have somewhere to hide.

You can purchase a shelter at a pet store or make it yourself (from a plastic container decorated with polystyrene foam, pieces of polystyrene foam or cords made of various materials).

Pet store hideout

A bowl of fresh water must always be available in the terrarium (leopard geckos drink water in extremely small quantities, but they do this at night) and a bowl of calcium (and yes, they eat calcium, and also at night).

Other small accessories

Small kitchen scales

for weighing leopard geckos. I weigh my pets once a month to help track their health. The results are recorded in a special notebook (for me it’s a phone book, since I have 13 tailed lizards).

Duplicates found

Jibiel is normal calcium, it is better to give it along with vitamins. Roll 1 KO in vitamins, all the rest in calcium. Zoomed with D3 is also praised. I won’t say anything about Repashi, the reviews are different. And calcium must be in a bowl in the terra, in constant access.

Warm mobile floor

A mobile type heated floor is a portable system that just needs to be placed in a place convenient for the user, plugged in and enjoy a warm, comfortable environment. As a rule, this option is used as additional heating. In principle, this is the same heated floor. The only thing is that it is already assembled and ready for use at any time.

Portable heated floors can be placed anywhere: in a child’s room, in the living room, on the floor near a desk or bed. Also, an electric heated floor on the balcony will be very useful. The rug can be small or, conversely, large, covering the entire room. It all depends on personal preference. But, as a rule, the standard dimensions of a heating mat are: 1.8x2.8 or 2x1.4. You can place the device under a carpet, rug or any other thermal insulating covering.

Operating rules

When using a warm electric mat, you must follow several rules that will affect its service life. Thus, if you use an electric foot mat, you need to make sure that there are no sharp objects on the floor, otherwise, when the protective layers are deformed, a short circuit may occur in the internal wires. It is also not recommended to fill the device with water or other liquid. If this does happen, you will need to unplug the mat and dry it without compressing it.

Recycling: a comfortable carpet made from old T-shirts^

If there are children at home, then the supply of T-shirts takes up half of the closet. It's time to recycle your unwanted T-shirts. First of all, old things should be mercilessly cut into thin ribbons one and a half to two centimeters wide.

Cut in a spiral, starting from the bottom up, while stretching the strip so that it tends to curl. To make the process go faster, you can attract a second assistant and ask him to wind the ball. Braids are woven from the resulting yarn, and then a circle is formed by sewing the spirals together. If you have knitting skills, then crochet a circle, alternating multi-colored ribbons.

The second version of the T-shirt product will appeal to those who love fluffy, soft things. T-shirts are cut into pieces 9-10 cm long and attached in frequent rows to a base of thick fabric. To fix the blanks, the ribbons are pre-glued with double-sided tape.

Product dimensions

The dimensions of the room are extremely important when choosing an accessory. No one is going to tailor a rug specifically to your bathroom, so there are standard sizes. Here they are:

Nowadays you can find rugs of any size, solid and composite, sliding and non-slip. Many people try to immediately buy a set of mini bath and toilet mats with cutouts for the toilet. The greatest dimensional diversity affects bathrooms and combined bathrooms.

Variety of rugs for the bathroom and toilet

For the most economical: bedding under your feet made of plastic bags ^

If you don’t have unnecessary T-shirts in your wardrobe, but you don’t want to buy raw materials for making crafts, choose a budget option - from colored plastic bags. For a practical, cute accessory, soft, thin but durable bags that are easily crushed and twisted are suitable. The advantage of a polyethylene product? It can be washed many times without fear of premature wear.

The birth of a masterpiece begins with the preparation of packages - each of them needs to be cut into strips of the same width (about 1 cm). Long blanks are formed from them, connecting them together using a hot iron, thread or ordinary knots. For convenience, it is better to immediately wrap the plastic ribbons into balls. Crochet thickly using the simplest technique, such as single crochet. If you manage to collect multi-colored bags, try to knit patterns, having thought through the design and pattern of the product in advance.

There are many different techniques for making rugs at home: from plastic corks, thick cord, polyurethane scraps. If you don’t have time to do handicrafts, but you want to have an exclusive accessory in your home, you can order a designer product from those who do this professionally. Talented people will be happy to bring all your fantasies to life and help make your bathroom cozy and unusual!

Read also: How to make a chum with your own hands.