RHP smell!!

Depending on cure times and all, remove the doors and use a fan to blow them out while heating them.
Would like to know on the type of silicone too.

The sealant is Lexel and we let it cure over a week before finishing assembly and install the RHP's and turning them on. Per the instructions it said allow a week for full cure.

I'm going to try turning up the temp on the RHP's and running them hotter to see if that helps.

It is not odd for a panel to smell when brand new.

I have 3 different Pro-Products panels and every one of them started out with a "new" smell.

When I get a new cage I plug the panel in and let it run unregulated for a few days before I furnish the cage and hook up the stat.

The smell always goes away, just like a new car smell goes away after time.

My cages and sealant don't smell at all and I was told by the RHP maker that the panel would give off a smell when run for the first couple of days.

I'm not familiar with Reptile Basics panels, but I would not be surprised if at start-up you'd get a new smell for a bit.

However as others have mentioned your cage and sealant could be part of it.

With new caging, I recommend getting the cage fully set up and running it for a few days, then add the furnishings and run it another few days. Basically a week of checks and monitoring before adding the animal.

That's just my procedure but it has worked and I DON'T have a smell from the panel by the time the animal is ready to go in.


Edit:

I saw your post.

"The sealant is Lexel and we let it cure over a week before finishing assembly and install the RHP's and turning them on. Per the instructions it said allow a week for full cure.

I'm going to try turning up the temp on the RHP's and running them hotter to see if that helps."


Yes,,,, just let it run hot for a few hours, then shut it off and do it again.

RBI heat panels are considered some of the best in the biz. You can always call them and ask questions.

Has the smell went away yet? If it hasn't, maybe a picture of your cage would help identify the issue.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CoryHEO

Has the smell went away yet? If it hasn't, maybe a picture of your cage would help identify the issue.

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Tanks are Animal Plastics T-10s with Reptile Basics RHPs installed. Sealant was Lexel which was supplied with the tanks.

RHP should be ran unregulated until completely outgassed. Any sealant should be outgassed at a higher temp than it is expected to ever see. Kill two birds with one stone and run the rhp unregulated inside and let both outgas, with doors open. I don't know the sealant so I don't know how long it should take, but stuff I use takes a couple days with an rhp blasting in there.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by OhhWatALoser

RHP should be ran unregulated until completely outgassed. Any sealant should be outgassed at a higher temp than it is expected to ever see. Kill two birds with one stone and run the rhp unregulated inside and let both outgas, with doors open. I don't know the sealant so I don't know how long it should take, but stuff I use takes a couple days with an rhp blasting in there.

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Bingo!

I also think unless the smell is "odd" like burning or very, very pungent, it is just the new product heating up and breaking in.

I remember buying our last couple of gas stoves, and turning on the ovens for the first time. We'd get a "smell" because the units were brand, spanking new.


If things don't change after running it wide open for a couple of days, call Rich at Reptile Basics or e-mail and inquire.

Unfortunately nobody here can poke their snout into your cage area and tell you if it's typical.