Thoughts about heating pad for temp control

[NC AL]

In my never ending quest to piddle around, I have been looking at setting up a nano eco tank/bowl with minimum maintenance. The main issue I have is controlling the temp. The temps in my house fluctuate between 68 - 71 degree regularly and can drop to lower 60s a few weeks in the fall and spring when we do not have the heater on.

Has anyone thought about or had success using an animal heating pad under the bowl/tank? While most are designed for reptiles and regulate between 100-120F, there are some for more mixed use that can be controlled from 68F and up. I don't think this would be too hard to set up. Could be to keep the inside of the tank clear of equipment. Radiant floor heating for your shrimp/fish.

Heating Pad

 

[Mr. Silly Goose]

I can't speak to it working in practice, but I could see temp control with an inkbird or similar.

 

[Capraquaria]

I have several grow mats (I use one to hatch brine shrimp, just because I have them for seed starting anyway). The advantage is they are designed to get wet. There are many options out there, this is just an example, and is controllable down to 68F. Many do not come with the thermostat controller, and you have to buy them separately, but this one does:

https://www.amazon.com/Thermostat-Waterproof-Hydroponic-Germination-Greenhouses/dp/B0DPJ1M8V4

I will add, that for a bowl, you might want some means of circulating the water, to ensure even heating.

 

[NC AL]

I have several grow mats (I use one to hatch brine shrimp, just because I have them for seed starting anyway). The advantage is they are designed to get wet. There are many options out there, this is just an example, and is controllable down to 68F. Many do not come with the thermostat controller, and you have to buy them separately, but this one does:

https://www.amazon.com/Thermostat-Waterproof-Hydroponic-Germination-Greenhouses/dp/B0DPJ1M8V4

I will add, that for a bowl, you might want some means of circulating the water, to ensure even heating.

I saw the grow mats in my searches. I also came across a brewing heating pad too.

The idea would be too have nothing in the bowl/tank, so one with a controllable thermostat would be a must. If I have to put a temperature sensor in, I might as well put a small heater.

Water circulation would be difficult, perhaps a small air line. I would likely have the temps for the tank/bowl set around 73F. With such a little difference between that and the air around it I imagine thermal convection would likely be sufficient. That could be tested with a thermometer before any fish or shrimp are added.

 

[CincyScaper]

What inhabitants do you plan to have ? Seems like the plants would be ok to be in the low 60s just for few weeks

 

[NC AL]

What inhabitants do you plan to have ? Seems like the plants would be ok to be in the low 60s just for few weeks

I would definitely want shrimp and snails. Possibly a few small fish if the size of the tank is adequate. I love emerald dwarf rasboras/danios.