[rjharper]

Cheap hairdryer on low 

I did that for a few years until the hair-dyer bit it. Now I use one of these. It's small, and on low wont melt anything, and most importantly has a fan for active air movement.

http://www.target.com/p/sidekick-ceramic-heater-black/-/A-15745280?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=google_pla_df&LNM=15745280&CPNG=Home+Improvement&kpid=15745280&LID=31pgs&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=15745280&kpid=15745280&gclid=Cj0KEQjwifWnBRCB5PT57KSVw-kBEiQASV7aROvu3DGdbNp3hor9fyRvUrA7gI9-iTKFYIVB0X7RJ2YaAr7j8P8HAQ

[toby]

I use a Repti-Heat cable strung around the chamber with the outdoor Command hooks.  The cable is made for direct contact in terrariums, so it doesn't get too hot for the hooks (which are rated up to 120F).

http://www.zoomed.com/db/products/EntryDetail.php?EntryID=116&DatabaseID=2&SearchID=1

[kylekohlmorgen]

I use one of these. Works great. About $15 on ebay to my door. They last a long time. With my shop hitting 20º at night I can hold 68º no problem. When I do sours (lacto start) I add a second one that stays on all the time, and can hold 98º no problem

This is what I use for heating. The output adjustment (low-med-high) is great for slowly ramping temperature.

[reverseapachemaster]

On the reptile heaters, what is everyone using?

Personally I use the equivalent of fermwrap that is designed for use with reptile tanks. It's cheaper than fermwrap and more durable than the old brew belts. Wrapping a fermentor in it and placed in a dorm fridge allows me to get over 100F in there. It could be hooked up to a temperature controller and hung or loosely wrapped around a fermentor to keep closer to room temperatures.

Take a look at the products here: http://www.reptilebasics.com/heating. That's where I bought the reptile tape I use but they have other products that might work better for your particular purpose.

[TMX]

I used the base of my daughters lava lamp.  but I also have a shelf it sits under that blocks the light

[jtoots]

I put an aquarium heater in a pitcher of water, foil over the top to minimize evaporation, does the trick.

[morticaixavier]

I put an aquarium heater in a pitcher of water, foil over the top to minimize evaporation, does the trick.

cool idea

[rjharper]

I put an aquarium heater in a pitcher of water, foil over the top to minimize evaporation, does the trick.

cool idea

Doesn't this encourage mold growth?

[Jimmy K]

I put an aquarium heater in a pitcher of water, foil over the top to minimize evaporation, does the trick.

cool idea

Doesn't this encourage mold growth?

Switch the water with antifreeze and it won't.

[jtoots]

I put an aquarium heater in a pitcher of water, foil over the top to minimize evaporation, does the trick.

cool idea

Doesn't this encourage mold growth?

Switch the water with antifreeze and it won't.

I haven't had any issues with mold, but will likely pursue this recommendation... thanks!

[Rhoobarb]

+1 on the heating pad.

[chezteth]

I put an aquarium heater in a pitcher of water, foil over the top to minimize evaporation, does the trick.

cool idea

Doesn't this encourage mold growth?

Switch the water with antifreeze and it won't.

Just make sure it is food grade. Propylene glycol is food grade "antifreeze".