Decomposition- An alternate heat source?

[adamanteus]

In order to work it needs volume... small quantities don't work.

[anji1971]

Kyle, I wonder if there's a way to make it work for your outdoor pen.........for cool nights, and to be able to use it over a longer season?

[Zephyr]

In order to work it needs volume... small quantities don't work.

Actually, I'm thinking it's just the surface area that's a concern. Like bacteria orbs in a fish tank filter, it could be very effective, given there's enough microsurface. If one were to use finely diced cedar or pine, it would probably work but decompose too rapidly... There has to be an equilibrium somewhere...

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

the reason there is so much heat under there is because of the massive amounts of compost that are packed together, preventing the heat from espacing right away. Since the heat cant get out right away, it gradually adds up and gets warmer and warmer. that's why the surface isn't as warm as the middle, because the heat is always slowly seeping out. if you take that pile of mulch and spread it out in a thin layer on the ground, it will not feel warm because the heat can escape too quickly. You would need a very deep pile of compost in order to produce enough heat to be effective. It's a nice idea, but trust me, if it worked efficiently, people everywhere would have their reptile tanks on compost.