UTH Vs. Overhead heat

I am having a hard time understanding how a heat pad alone can create an ambient heat of around 80 degrees throughout the tank.

The set-up I am thinking of is one that is apx. 18-24 inches high and 2x4 feet of floor space (vision cage, reptile basics or glass aquarium for example)

Many people claim that with an under the tank heat pad (with a thermostat) one would not need to add additional overhead heat.

I can see how the pad would maintain the desired setting within a hide (the pad is under a hide on a cool side and another one is under a hide on a hot side). However, as I mentioned earlier, I am unsure how the ambient heat would be maintained.

I can see the cost benefits of not having a heat lamp over head and would like to feel confident that I can provide proper care with out one.

Having said that, it is mindful to concider that the temp of the room that the enclouser is maintained at 72 degrees in the winter and 76 in the summer (cold winters, hot summers).

What I would like from you all is some clarification. is this really possible (ideas for both PVC enclosures and glass aquarium enclosures).

Jimmy

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.

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...

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.

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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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.

Quote:

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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.

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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.

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.

Thank you all for your input! It is much appreciated. If anyone else wants to chime in that would be great.

Jimmy Fox