Radiant heat panel in AP cages

Getting some new cages put together for the males I'm hoping to pick up for my girls over the next few months.

My previous cages are AP T8s, with the 8'' screen hole cut in the top for a lamp, in which I use a ceramic heating element.

AP says that if I send them a radiant heat panel in the mail, they'll install it for me.

Should I do that? What are the advantages (if any), aside from less moisture loss and less overhead space required between stacked cages?

Does a heat panel have much longer shelf life than a ceramic heating element, and will I be able to replace it in the AP cage easily if it fails?

Lastly, if it is better to go with the panel, does anybody have a model recommendation that would be appropriate for a BP in an AP T8?

Thanks!

pro products makes a really nice RHP, you can call them, tell them what cage you are getting, what animal you are keeping and they will spec out the right one for you. I have also heard that they will send the panels directly to AP for you. I only have experience with Helix RHPs they worked great however the appropriate wattage I needed for one of my cages wouldn't fit due to there being a screen drop for a flourescent lamp so I had to go back using a bulb. If I had the choice I would go with a RHP. just my 2 cents

That sounds pretty great if they'll actually ship it to AP. Convenience definitely sells things to me, haha.

I have 3 t8's and one t10. I use an 80w rhp in each one from reptile basics and I would not go to another one. perfect temps and nothing changes. don't worry about install. all I did was run the cord in the back vent and it is just held in by two screws. if you can put the cage together you can deff put the heat panel in. just do it yourself.

I bought a used T12 with a 60 watt pro-product RHP installed in it and its been great so far. The previous owner told me that AP installed the RHP. They did a nice clean job but like someone already said, it's something you can do yourself.

The RHP keeps the ambient temps up in the 80s. I've noticed that my humidity lasts a lot longer. I only have to mist once or twice a week to keep the humidity up (I live in South California so humidity doesn't exist here).

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Couldn't edit my previous post but this is from pro-products website in regards to the life expectancy:

"Pro Heat™ Radiant Panels are made in the USA and are covered with a lifetime warranty on the housing, 10 year warranty on the heating element and have an expected service life of 50+ years as backed by independent university studies and a proven track record of consumer satisfaction for more than 30 years."

So my T12 is running a pro products PH-3 65 watt and it works fine but outside temps here don't drop too low. If your house gets a bit colder during the winter, I'd suggest a longer RHP just to keep the ambient air temps and then using heat tape as a hot spot.

From what I'm told, pro-products is very helpful and knowledgeable when it comes to RHPs so I'd just contact them directly and ask.

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