Heat Panels?

[Gio]

I like the RHP route,

As some above have stated, Pro-Products are a fine choice. I run 4 of them and they are all set up basically the same.

For a twist, I actually have the probe on the cooler side of the cages (Three 4 footers and One 6 footer) which gets my ambient temp where I want it. That method was actually suggested by Bob, the maker of the P/P panels.

A lot is species dependent, ambient room temperature dependent and whether or not you are stacking cages. In the situation here, I have no need for any UTH. The room is never below 68, and all cages, even the Royal's cage have perching options. The animals will perch, or lie directly below the panel if they need heat, and will move to the cooler side when they are "charged up".

There are various climate zones, especially in the 6 foot cage. Hot spots in certain areas can reach close to 100 degrees, however the cooler side, or coolest area can be in the mid 70's, and when using a night drop, which I do use, the cool areas will hover roughly 6 degrees over the ambient room temp. Temps are adjusted with the seasons running cooler by a few degrees in the winter.

Having a high quality stat is extremely important. Your animals should not be kept in eternally hot conditions, nor should they have to battle a constantly cool climate.

The temp subject could be covered at length, but that is best for another thread.

The OP mentioned being in a cooler climate and that to me means getting a good ambient temp in both your reptile room, and within the cage. We deal with very cold winters typically, although not this year, however running a room heater is something I'd recommend for areas with real winter temp drops.

Bob at Pro-Products is very helpful and usually gives good advice based on cage dimensions, cage material, species of animal and your location.


This is one of the cages here. (6 footer)

The panel here is almost fully to the left. It is a larger panel than the units in the 4 foot cages. Perches are excellent basking areas that can get pretty hot up top close to the panel but are slightly cooler under the panel.

The snakes know where they want to be and reposition when need to warm or cool.



The 4 foot cages on the left. (Royal's cage on top)



These are below the Royal's cage but the panels are in the same spot. Just a note if you happen to notice, the species are different. The Retic was placed with a breeder, and I replaced him with a Bredli. My first coastal carpet passed and she was replaced with another coastal.

The BC and the royal have been here from day one.



This is probably a better view of the 4 foot cages. Unfortunately I don't have many pictures that show the panels.


I am unfortunately running out of time to post, so let me mention you should purchase a Temp Gun. Don't be discouraged if you don't notice the cage hitting ideal temps when you first set up.

Substrate and decor change how heat is retained and how long it takes to get the cage dialed in, as does the ambient room temp.

A lot of folks think their panel isn't working the first 24 hours and then find out after 48 hours it is doing the job.

Apologies for finishing early. I had more to say but getting info from multiple sources will help you.

My set up may not work for somebody else.

Best of luck!