Heating for JCP?

What's the best way to go about heating a JCP enclosure? I've read about people using a UTH, but other people recommend a Radiant Heat Panel, because they're semi aboreal and others say UTH and CHE combo...

It seems a lot more complicated than a BP, but I'm hoping some of you experienced JCP owners will have some ideas...

The cage is 600mmX500mmX600mm (LXBXH).

As long as your enclosure has places for them to climb on, I suggest an RHP. That will heat the ambient temp in the entire enclosure, and the hot spot. A UTH will only heat a small floor area to a desired temp.

So a correct size RHP is good to go on its own, no bulbs or UTH??

Do I stick it to the tank lid?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jared2608

So a correct size RHP is good to go on its own, no bulbs or UTH??

Do I stick it to the tank lid?

---

In the correct type of cage, not a tank, an RHP would be all you would need. I use plastic caging for my larger snakes.

Some people say use UTHs, or flexwatt.
Some people say use CHEs or heat bulbs.
Some people say use RHPs.

Take a moment and ask yourself.. why do all these people use different heat sources and seem to have success? You'll probably come to the only logical conclusion I did:

They all work well.

I use Flexwatt on my 4x2s for adults.. however when I need to add more 4x2 cages, I've decided to redo my entire adult caging, sell what I have now, and purchase a stack or two and get RHPs installed in all of them.

For my juvies, put together naturalistic planted vivariums for 'em. It was a fun project to put together display cages. However, they are screen-topped glass exo-terras, and the best way I found to provide heat is with CHEs.

Any hatchlings of any snake species I produce will be in racks heated with flexwatt.

I don't know what heat sources are available to you in South Africa, I know that it may be different from here in the US. If you're having issues, as long as your winter indoor temperatures stay above 70, you can even just use a heat bulb (lightbulb designed to provide light and heat with a reflector dome). Have it on during daylight hours, off at night. Provide more hours in your summers and fewer hours in your winters This is a good option that, if indoor temperatures fluctuate similarly to your seasons, will help your pythons seasonally cycle.

We can get any type of heating here, its only price that varies. Cheapest option would be a UTH with a Heat Lamp.

Our average summer temps where I stay are 27 to 30 but up to 32 some times! Humidity is in the 50 to 60% range.

Its only in winter that temps drop, but nothing dramatic. In all likelihood a straight CHE will be good enough. I'm thinking I should set the cage up and monitor the temps for a while, and add or take away as needed.

Thanks for all the responses guys!

For my IJ Carpet Python, I have only a UTH, but I keep the ambient temp in the room around 80-82F (26-27C). He spends alot of time on his climbing branch, but I also see him in different spots around the floor, or occasionally, his hides. So, he does thermoregulate. As was mentioned above, it just depends on your set-up, and what heat source, or combination, will give you the most stable temperatures and humidity...

the best setup imo is using a plastic cage that's actually built for a snake and has a solid top (no screen). install a RHP on the top. RHPs hit the ambient temps, provide a hot spot, and don't suck out humidity like a bulb would.