I was wanting to attach a rhp to my exo Terra top. Has anyone done this and can tell me or show me how to do it.
01-25-2016, 12:57 PM
LittleTreeGuy
I think it's been done. Just a solid top, Plexiglas or melamine cut to the size of your top and then screw the RHP into that.
01-25-2016, 01:58 PM
Prognathodon
Re: RHP for exo terra
You don't even need a solid piece of plexi or melamine, you can screw into a couple short pieces of 1 X 2. You may have to notch the reinforcement bar on the top of the cage for the wood.
But of course I don't have a good picture handy of any of the ones we have RHPs in.
Sent using software and hardware
01-25-2016, 02:21 PM
Polyangler
Re: RHP for exo terra
Although both of these ideas will certainly work, they're overkill. I just put replaced the wood screws with machine screws, a wide washer to disperse the weight a little, and a nut behind it.
Although both of these ideas will certainly work, they're overkill. I just put replaced the wood screws with machine screws, a wide washer to disperse the weight a little, and a nut behind it.
That's what I was thinking of doing just didn't know if the weight of the rhp would make the screen sag.
01-25-2016, 03:39 PM
Prognathodon
Re: RHP for exo terra
I'm a Civil Engineer, overkill design is what we do! [emoji1]
Sent using software and hardware
01-25-2016, 03:48 PM
Polyangler
Re: RHP for exo terra
Quote:
Originally Posted by Prognathodon
I'm a Civil Engineer, overkill design is what we do! [emoji1]
Sent using software and hardware
I can't argue with that [emoji6]
The RHPs don't weigh much for their size. There will be a very minimal amount of sag. Also, make sure you use a nylon insert locking nut so you don't have to tighten them down hard to hold in place. The top side of the RHP is recessed slightly, so if you run the nuts down hard you will bow the screen a little. It will be obvious when you find the sweet spot where the panel is held snug without warping the shape of the screen.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
01-26-2016, 02:40 PM
HanabiraAsashi
Is this the recommended way to do it? I was under the assumption that the RHP could just sit on top of the screen.
01-26-2016, 03:07 PM
Prognathodon
Re: RHP for exo terra
No, the RHP must go on the under-side of the lid - if you look at the RHP FAQ on the Reptile Basics website, under the fire safety section, it's pretty clear you can't just set it on top of the screen:
"Do not set the panel lens side down on any surface while it is plugged in"
(I linked to the Reptie Basics information because that's the brand I'm familiar with)
Sent using software and hardware
01-26-2016, 03:09 PM
Polyangler
Re: RHP for exo terra
Quote:
Originally Posted by HanabiraAsashi
Is this the recommended way to do it? I was under the assumption that the RHP could just sit on top of the screen.
Per the instructions, it should be inside the enclosure and 6" or higher from the floor to prevent the thermal fuse from blowing. I believe the wire mesh would allow enough heat transmission/ventilation to prevent that, but I personally believe it's more efficient inside the enclosure, and just looks cleaner/more finished.