Re: UTH Vs. Overhead heat
If you have a cooler room temp, an overhead heat source is not a bad idea, but a UTH or belly heat source is still required. The reason some people do not need lamps is because there is a belly heat source in the low 80s on one side, and the low 90s on the other side. That is really all you need. My ambient usually hangs around 77, but the belly heat is in the right range.
Keep in mind, I DO use a lamp. That is because my apartment is very chilly. If the ambient room temp was around 75, I likely would not need the lamp because the heating pad and insulation on my tank would be enough to produce the correct heat gradient.
Overall reasoning - if you can produce the correct heat gradient without a lamp, go nuts.
Re: UTH Vs. Overhead heat
I have RHP's in my cages because I needed to bump ambient temps due to the environmental temps. I do not use any belly heat source as the RHP heats the surface from above. All snakes are healthy: eating, digesting, shedding, breeding(!). Belly heat is not required...
Re: UTH Vs. Overhead heat
The overhead heat bulbs tend to dryout air. The best is to have the room temp controled and a belly heat UTH on a thermostat for a hot spot.
That is not practical for everyone so do what works best for you.
I would use belly heat and then use the heatlamp for minimal temp increases so as not to dry out air too much. Experiment and ask others who use similar setups for best results.
I keep my snake room temp and humidity controled and belly heat for a hot spot.
Re: UTH Vs. Overhead heat
Ooops- my bad. My eyes read over-head lamp and my brain spat out RHP. Sorry sorry sorry. And yes, with a heat lamp or CHE, belly heat is a necessity.....
However, have you considered a RHP?
Re: UTH Vs. Overhead heat
Quote:
Originally Posted by
starmom
Ooops- my bad. My eyes read over-head lamp and my brain spat out RHP. Sorry sorry sorry. And yes, with a heat lamp or CHE, belly heat is a necessity.....
However, have you considered a RHP?
I have given a lot of consideration to radiant heat panels. do the give of heat cheaper than CHE? Are they less likely to burn off the humidity? what do you think are the major advantages?
Re: UTH Vs. Overhead heat
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jimmyfoxca
I have given a lot of consideration to radiant heat panels. do the give of heat cheaper than CHE? Are they less likely to burn off the humidity? what do you think are the major advantages?
Pound for pound the best way to heat a cage. They do tend to hold humidity much better and don't dry air out like a bulb or emitter do. The only down side is the inital investment but past that they far superior to other heat sources. Give pro-products a call and talk to them.
Re: UTH Vs. Overhead heat
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Chuck
Pound for pound the best way to heat a cage. They do tend to hold humidity much better and don't dry air out like a bulb or emitter do. The only down side is the inital investment but past that they far superior to other heat sources. Give pro-products a call and talk to them.
I agree with all of the above except that I have Rich's RHP's and I love them and would never purchase another brand. Here's his link: http://www.reptilebasics.com/RBI-Rad...p-1-c-283.html. I have the 80 watt ones in my RBI cages since it is so chilly here.
Re: UTH Vs. Overhead heat
In my set up, I use both. I have an AP T-3 which has UTH under 1 side. That is my warm side, for my cool side, I use a radiant heat panel on the top of the cage. It keeps my cool side at 82-84 and my UTH warm side is kept at 92-94.
Re: UTH Vs. Overhead heat
Thank you all for your input! It is much appreciated. If anyone else wants to chime in that would be great.
Jimmy Fox