which would be better
 

So I've decided to go for the monkfield tortoise table with built-in hide. For keeping the hide cosy during the night as my flat is cold which would.be best....mounted heat mat as in the picture or attaching a short stem CHE to the side of the hide in one of the cages......

http://i1263.photobucket.com/albums/...ps81386e8b.jpg

Either will do i use heat mats in the same way as the picture

What size heat mat and are they on a thermostat? I've read heat mats are better put in between sheets of glass to distribute the heat more evenly......?

Not heard of putting them between glass i only use small 7~14w with no stat and put it to one side of their hide if its big enough then there is a slightly cooler side and they can find an area they feel comfortable in to hold it up i use drawing pins around the edge where it is clear hope that makes sense:lol::lol:

Thats the answers i wanted Gordon Thank you very much!!!!!!!!!!!!

I used a heat mat in short term housing for a young male. I partitioned off part of a large cold frame with sheets of wood, insulated it with thick sheets of insulation and stapled a small heat mat to the back wall, plugged it in st night, didnt use a stat, worked very well.

I'm a complete newbie to tortoise care but I have a "Vivexotic" tortoise table which came complete with glass partition for the sleeping quarters. I've attached a small heat pad to that glass and it's on 24/7. The temp at the lower centre of the sleeping area is 70degrees and my leopard chooses to position himself right up against the glass for most of the time. He looks really comfy fast asleep with his head hanging out resting on his bedding.

I have used a heat mat before, placed it on a large tile then placed a wooden slatted thing with gaps over the top then the sleeping hide over that so the heat can get through but not touching the bottom or the tort x

Pets at Home failed twice on the delivery so order got cancelled for the table......better start looking again online!