Question on T8 with UTH...

Ok. I dug out the packaging. Mine are Ultratherm. Here is a quote from the user guide: "Heat mats do get warm, but provide a very gentle warmth which the animal can sit under or on top of. Used under normal conditions, the mats can not burn the animal."

The mfr's words, not mine, so no flames please about the absolute necessity of t-stats!

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

I see that the flexwatt in the T8 setup guide are set in the low 100's now... So are ultratherms incapable of getting up to those temps, basically?

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Basically, yeah. I never had to turn mine up to triple digits to get my 90 degree hot spot, but I was consistently in the mid-90s, which is essentially the max-out point of the Ultratherms. You can get THG heat tape pre-wired through Reptile Basics, so that's not an issue. You just need to let them know what size and length you'd like and they do the rest.

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

Is there a guide on setting up RHP's? I see them on reptile basics, but unsure how they work or are set up. I see that they're usually drilled/locked in place on the ceilings inside T8's. Would it be possible to use RHP's with plastic tub setups for now? Would putting the RHP's on the floor of the enclosure be harmful? (I'm guessing it is harmful)

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You're correct - putting the RHP in a place where it would certainly get wet/peed/pooped on is a definite no-no. If your animals are anything like mine, that'd be pretty much anywhere in a tub. Plus, the cord would be a nightmare while sliding tubs in and out.

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

Would it be possible to use RHP's with plastic tub setups for now? Would putting the RHP's on the floor of the enclosure be harmful? (I'm guessing it is harmful)

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Don't think that RHPs would work with plastic tubs just because the RHPs are mounted by two screws.

RHPs get mounted on the top of the enclosure and radiate heat down to provide proper ambient temperatures.

They don't go on the bottom because prolonged exposure would give your snake a burn.


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Originally Posted by distaff

Ok. I dug out the packaging. Mine are Ultratherm. Here is a quote from the user guide: "Heat mats do get warm, but provide a very gentle warmth which the animal can sit under or on top of. Used under normal conditions, the mats can not burn the animal."

The mfr's words, not mine, so no flames please about the absolute necessity of t-stats!

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Actually, I've had my own Ultratherm get to to 100 before. My roommate decided to move Vigil's enclosure when I wasn't here one day, obviously not knowing how a thermostat works, so had pulled the probe out. When I came back, it was a little over 100. I guess even though they don't get instantly as hot as some UTH's out there, they are still capable of getting hot enough to burn the animal (in a plastic or glass setup) if not on a thermostat.

Thankfully, she must have moved it relatively recently, because Vigil's belly was not burned yet. And then I laughed at the packaging lies.

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Originally Posted by Eric Alan

Basically, yeah. I never had to turn mine up to triple digits to get my 90 degree hot spot, but I was consistently in the mid-90s, which is essentially the max-out point of the Ultratherms. You can get THG heat tape pre-wired through Reptile Basics, so that's not an issue. You just need to let them know what size and length you'd like and they do the rest.

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Wow, that's very convenient. I didn't know they did that... So would the heat tape arrive cut and set up with a plug to go into the thermostat, like a UTH? Would I just need to send them an email requesting it?

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

Wow, that's very convenient. I didn't know they did that... So would the heat tape arrive cut and set up with a plug to go into the thermostat, like a UTH? Would I just need to send them an email requesting it?

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Yep - cut, wired up, and all ready to go! You should be able to do it all directly through the website. Email would just be an added step of protection on your part if you are uncertain about anything.

Here are Reptile Basic's notes on ordering heat tape, directly from their website (http://www.reptilebasics.com/heat-tape):

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Notes on ordering heat tape:

• The quantity specified is in feet. Heat tape is sold by the foot only.
• Unless we are assembling heat tape for you we do not cut specific lengths - bulk amount only
• Do not forget to order a wire/clip/insulator set for each connection you specify. Example- (2) 4' sections will require 8' of heat tape and 2 wire/clip/insulator sets. Please also add the "Reptile Basics Connect for me" option to the wire sets you add to your cart and leave instructions in the comments box at checkout regarding lengths. Your order may be delayed if you do not.
• Heat tape use requires a thermostat. Ask for recommendations if you have questions
• No warranty is offered on heat tape by RBI or the manufacturer. The end user is responsible for all installations and use
• Please read our Heat Tape FAQ and DIY Heat Tape Connections in the Resources section for more information
• Please read the THG Heat Tape Usage Guidlines at the bottom of this page!

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I use Ultratherm UTHs on my T8s. They're fine for creating hot spots but I sometimes supplement them with an IR heat bulb or CHE to boost my ambient temps mostly in the winter. Without the secondary heat source my ambient temps would probably drop into the low 70s at night. I have to set my thermostat at about 102F to create a hot spot of 88-90F. I'm thinking about switching to RHPs as I've heard good things about them. You can also have the RHP shipped directly to AP and they'll install it for you.

Another note about RHPs and tubs: the lens (surface that radiates heat) should be at least 6" from tank/tub surfaces, decor, etc., per the RB information. So if you were mounting a RHP to the under-side of a tub lid you'd need a tub that's a *bare* *minimum* of 8" deep (1.5" thick + 6" clearance = 7.5").

OP, if you're that un-handy, can you get a friend/relative to give you a hand with installation/setup? Since you're would be working on an empty enclosure, they don't have to like snakes. Or, check with AP and see if you can pay for parts and installation.

You can use a heat lamps with AP cages, if you don't want to stack them, just order them with the circle screens.


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Originally Posted by Prognathodon

Another note about RHPs and tubs: the lens (surface that radiates heat) should be at least 6" from tank/tub surfaces, decor, etc., per the RB information. So if you were mounting a RHP to the under-side of a tub lid you'd need a tub that's a *bare* *minimum* of 8" deep (1.5" thick + 6" clearance = 7.5").

OP, if you're that un-handy, can you get a friend/relative to give you a hand with installation/setup? Since you're would be working on an empty enclosure, they don't have to like snakes. Or, check with AP and see if you can pay for parts and installation.

You can use a heat lamps with AP cages, if you don't want to stack them, just order them with the circle screens.


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Thanks for the info on the RHPs!

I actually found out that AP will install the RHPs free of charge, if you ship it straight to them! I might be doing that. It's very nice of them.