Big cage for a big Boa, Heating questions

The cage I have is custom built, but my only problem is It wouldnt really work with heattape. So my question is, What is the best available lighting solution that involves a heat lamp? Im not a fan of using any type of bulb in my cages ( well, I should say on top of ) But the cage is so nice I dont want it to go to waste, so any advice would be helpful as far as what kind of non light emiting bulb to get and how to test the temps with my heat gun ( Or I can pick up a probed thermometer if needed).

PS- As far as Humidity gos Ive got that covered should I go with the bulb. Bedding type would be aspen if that helps.

Thanks! - Matt

You could use a CHE on a thermostat

Ceramic Heat Emitter (CHE) or a Radiant Heat Panel (RHP) would work... I would probably go with RHP over CHE just because it seems they'd be easier to mount and protect your snake from...

When i kept boas all my cages were 4x2x1 and i used ultratherms for them.

They were sealed to the bottom of the cage inside with thermostat probe hot glued to it cant move. Then floor was tiled. Worked like a charm.

Heres a display cage i did 3 years ago.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...nk/tankUTH.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...lesdone002.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...k/100_1661.jpg

I like that idea, im just a little uncomfortable keeping the heat tape in the cage, ive had a few bad experiences with that stuff. Not many bad, but it only takes one time for something to malfunction and burn my snake. It is an option i will look at though, because im even more uncomfortable with a bulb. My cage is double meshed on top ( Has a layer of wire, the wood, and then another wire so they cannot get within of inch of the bulb)

So for now, tell me more about ways to go about with a Chi. :)

This is the cage with two of the young ones modeling for the pictures

http://i454.photobucket.com/albums/q...DSC_0007-1.jpg

When keeping it inside like i have, you need to secure the probe directly to the heat tape so it can not move when snake moves around it. Hot glue is whait i used as its fast drying and holds very well.

I never had one come off or move in 5 years of keeping boas this way.

Where can I find decently priced thermostat?

I get all my stats from reptilebasics.

They avg out to $87 shipped per Johnsons

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RichsBallPythons

I get all my stats from reptilebasics.

They avg out to $87 shipped per Johnsons

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I was afraid you would say that, I litterally gave away my last Ranco a few months ago! Ah oh well, it was for a good cause. Ill have to give them a call, ive had my eye on their Vivarium Electronics VE-100.