Radiant heat panel only sufficient for a ball python enclosure?

Hi,

I have a 24x18x16 enclosure from PVC Cages. It comes with a radiant heat panel on the ceiling. I know many keepers talk about underbelly heat at 90 degrees. My question is whether having ONLY a radiant heat panel set to 90 degrees is sufficient or if I need underbelly heat on one side and the RHP for the gradient heat? The cage is only 24 inches long so seems a bit unnecessary. I'm just wondering how ball pythons do with only overhead heat?

Many thanks for your assistance.

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Originally Posted by ecitizen

Hi,

I have a 24x18x16 enclosure from PVC Cages. It comes with a radiant heat panel on the ceiling. I know many keepers talk about underbelly heat at 90 degrees. My question is whether having ONLY a radiant heat panel set to 90 degrees is sufficient or if I need underbelly heat on one side and the RHP for the gradient heat? The cage is only 24 inches long so seems a bit unnecessary. I'm just wondering how ball pythons do with only overhead heat?

Many thanks for your assistance.

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One of the great myths in snakedom is that they can only survive with underbelly heat. Again, the operative word being "myth".

No one can answer your question without knowing what the ambient temp in the room is or, just as importantly, what size RHP you intend to use.

Room temp ranges from 73-80 degrees. The RHP it came with is 28 watts. I'm heating the cage now for testing and it seems to have a hard time getting past low 80s. Perhaps it needs more time? I have it regulated with a herpstat 2 using dimming with a target of 90 degrees. My concern is that even if it gets to that temp the cool side may be too hot since the cage is only 24 inches wide.

Thoughts?


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So the panel is about 12"x9"?

How long have you had it on and where is the probe?

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Originally Posted by Skiploder

So the panel is about 12"x9"?

How long have you had it on and where is the probe?

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That size sounds about right. The cage and panel are brand new and I don't have a snake in it yet. The RHP running at 100% with the probe under the hide directly underneath it only gets to about 87.5 degrees max. The cool side is 79.5. Is this sufficient or do i need under the cage heat and then use the RHP for the gradient? BTW, I'm using cypress mulch for substrate and humidity is 67%.

Your thoughts are appreciated.

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Originally Posted by ecitizen

That size sounds about right. The cage and panel are brand new and I don't have a snake in it yet. The RHP running at 100% with the probe under the hide directly underneath it only gets to about 87.5 degrees max. The cool side is 79.5. Is this sufficient or do i need under the cage heat and then use the RHP for the gradient? BTW, I'm using cypress mulch for substrate and humidity is 67%.

Your thoughts are appreciated.

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In terms of footprint, 9" out of 24" is a little more than a third which is not oversized.........however........

With that height of cage, that wattage may not have enough horsepower to get you to 90 degrees.

How long have you had the panel running full blast?

Panel has been on full for about 12 hours. It's just over 88 now and almost 80 on cool side so maybe ok? I don't mind adding the flex watt but don't really want to if I don't have to. Thanks again for the advice.


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