RHP Setup Questions (In a T8)

Hey everyone,

Where do you set up the probe for RHP? I've been following along this post and you've all provided excellent insights. I've been saving to upgrade to the Herpstat 4 up from my vivarium electronics since I need 3 inputs (one for UTH heat tape and one for each RHP) as I have a T8 with a divider for 2 BPs and want to put an RHP on each side. There is a spot for the probe under the T8 so you can set up your UTH easily with a thermostat but where to put the probe to actively control RHP power is what I am trying to figure out. Does anyone know of any good set up guides/tutorials around? I've tried searching for some set up guides but it mostly just yields results for home improvement projects. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

- Dev

In my Pro Line cage I put the Herpstat probe on the cool side and hang it down about 1" from the floor and then set the Herpstat to 80F. In my AP cages, I only use flexwatt.

I have found using a simple cable strap can work really nicely. I glue the probe into the cable strap and then glue the strap onto the rim of the RHP. I have used super glue and have not had to remount the probes since the day I first installed them years ago.

You do not want the probe to touch the rhp and the cable strap provides a great holder that keeps the prove in place, straight and level, without touching the actual panel.

If you use this method start by setting the RHP temp low. The RHPs are cooler as you get closer to the rim so where the probe is mounted will be cooler than the hotter center. Its really no different than moving away from a heat bulb but I don't think many people realize the entire RHP is no the same temp while operating.

Photobucket is down so I have to add links to other threads where I have posted pics before so you can see what Im talking about.

Post #2
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...ht=cable+strap

Post #2 again.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...ht=cable+strap

I really like this idea. Out of curiousity are you using a T8 and is it divided? Im just trying to figure out the best size RHPs for my tanks. I'm in Vermont so it gets pretty cold in the winters, apartment living has pretty unpredictable heat.. I'm thinking a 40W RHP on both sides of my divided T8 will be enough to keep my 2 little guys comfy..

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Originally Posted by Dev_DeCoste

I really like this idea. Out of curiousity are you using a T8 and is it divided? Im just trying to figure out the best size RHPs for my tanks. I'm in Vermont so it gets pretty cold in the winters, apartment living has pretty unpredictable heat.. I'm thinking a 40W RHP on both sides of my divided T8 will be enough to keep my 2 little guys comfy..

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I contacted ProProducts when I ordered mine and told them what my cage sizes were and the temps I needed. They suggested my best choice and drop shipped them to my cage builder who then installed them and sent the completed product to me.

None of my cages are a T8. The pic with the black rimmed rhp came in my GTP cage I ordered from PVC Cages. The white rimmed rhp is a ProProducts panel ordered straight from them.

You should get good use from the T8. Those are nice cages.

This is from the ProProducts site and gives you the insight of what all goes into selecting the correct panel. I highly suggest calling them and speaking to them about just what you need. Its a science and they know their stuff. Very friendly and helpful when I called and shipped my order out quick.

"There are many factors that can affect which size Pro Heat™ Radiant Panels is correct for a particular application. In order to determine the correct panel we need to know the following information:
•The size of the cage (L,W,H)
•What the cage is made out of
•How many vents are installed and where in the cage
•What type of animal is being kept
•What the ambient and low temperatures are in the room where the cage is being kept.
•Is the cage being kept in a room with a concrete floor or in a basement."

http://pro-products.com/pro-heat/

For a divided T8 usually a 40w from reptile basics for each side will work depending on room temps. Like above said you can also contact pro products, they are a little more expensive but a very good company. I use both reptile basics and pro products rhp and they work great. From what I read (correct me if I'm wrong) it sounded like your going to use uth and rhp together? You only need one rhp for each snake, the rhp will be installed on the left side or right side of the ceiling of your snakes cage and it will heat both the hot and cool side so there's no need for a uth also.

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I drilled holes in the sides of my cages to put the probe through and have them sitting a couple inches down from the rhp.

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Originally Posted by chrid16371

For a divided T8 usually a 40w from reptile basics for each side will work depending on room temps. Like above said you can also contact pro products, they are a little more expensive but a very good company. I use both reptile basics and pro products rhp and they work great. From what I read (correct me if I'm wrong) it sounded like your going to use uth and rhp together? You only need one rhp for each snake, the rhp will be installed on the left side or right side of the ceiling of your snakes cage and it will heat both the hot and cool side so there's no need for a uth also.

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That is correct.The UTH works but the air temp still gets too low. Does it matter how close the RHP is too the light inside of the T8?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dev_DeCoste

That is correct.The UTH works but the air temp still gets too low. Does it matter how close the RHP is too the light inside of the T8?

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I would leave a few inches between the light and rhp, the further you away you can get it the better, I have my lights about 3-4 inches from rhp.

What I was saying is since your going to be using rhp you no longer need to use uth. If you put the rhp on the left side or right side of the ceiling and set the thermostat until the ground temp is 88-90 under the rhp the heat will also radiat over to cool side making it around 80 giving you a perfect heat gradient without using the uth and wasting power. Using a uth with a rhp is wasting the benefits of a rhp IMO, unless of course the rhp can't get the hot side to temp and in that case it would be ok but would be better to get a stronger rhp then. My house is 60-65 24/7 365 days a year and I have no problem using a 40w rhp to maintain temperature and I don't use any other heating device with them.

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Also remember to keep a distance of about 6"+ between the RHP and anything on the floor like hides etc. Too close and it will cause the RHP to overheat and pop and then you are done.