heating a pool in an outdoor vivarium

[brodawel]

I wondered if anyone has tried to do this: my new vivarium is in a sheltered spot behind my garage and has a small pre-moulded pool. Capacity is probably no more than about twelve gallons since the sides are covered with slopes of sandstone fragments. Can I use a tough aquarium heater or would one of those pond heaters by Aquael be better? I'd only want to warm the water to about 70 degrees to encourage breeding for bombina variegata which I won't be introducing till March/April. Other inhabitants are alytes obstetricans, at present in a small indoor viv.

[richardfrog]

Assuming the enclosure is in the sun have you considered a small pump? you could run the water back into the pool through black tubing or over a black surface. a thermostat or timer may be advised. Heaters would generally use more wattage.