RHP size for PVC enclosure

Hey there guys,

I recently just purchased a 24Lx24Dx12H PVC enclosure and I would like to heat it using a Radiant Heat Panel. The thing I'm unsure of is whether to purchase a 28 watt or a 40 watt panel. I'm thinking that the 28 would be fine since the enclosure is only 12 inches high but I want to be sure before I purchase. :)

I'm looking at this page: http://www.reptilebasics.com/rbi-radiant-heat-panels

While I have not had any trouble with my seven heat panels from RB, I bought my last two from Pro-products.com because they are UL listed and Custom made for your enclosure with the proper wattage.

Just give Bob the specs and he will do the rest. Pricing is similar as well.

2nd vote for Pro Products....Bob will give you the sales pitch but he's a long time reptile owner and has valid points about his products. I currently have 4 of them and they do a great job.

Thanks guys for the recommendations. I reached out to Bob at Pro-Products and he was very helpful. This might seem like a silly questions but is the heat panel mounted on the side of the enclosure or to one side on the top of the enclosure? It's my first time setting one of these up. :)

Mounted on top is overwhelmingly preferred. However, I bought a used enclosure that had one mounted on the side. Just to experiment I left it there. It seems to work just as well. So far I see no reason to move it.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...aeea074203.png

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Originally Posted by Reinz

Mounted on top is overwhelmingly preferred. However, I bought a used enclosure that had one mounted on the side. Just to experiment I left it there. It seems to work just as well. So far I see no reason to move it.https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...aeea074203.png

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I see, appreciate the input!
PS. I like your snake :P

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Originally Posted by Reinz

Mounted on top is overwhelmingly preferred. However, I bought a used enclosure that had one mounted on the side. Just to experiment I left it there. It seems to work just as well. So far I see no reason to move it.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...aeea074203.png

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Never heard of that. I wouldn't like it just because it prevents your snake from getting to close to the side of the cage, doesn't it?


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I'm now looking for a proportional thermostat to use with the heat panel. I've heard good things about Spyder Robotics' Herpstat t-stats.
http://www.spyderrobotics.com/index....products_id=25

This was the model I was looking at, does anyone know if it is a good t-stat for a heat panel?

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Originally Posted by SimonPalmieri

I'm now looking for a proportional thermostat to use with the heat panel. I've heard good things about Spyder Robotics' Herpstat t-stats.
http://www.spyderrobotics.com/index....products_id=25

This was the model I was looking at, does anyone know if it is a good t-stat for a heat panel?

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That thermostat is perfect to run a single RHP. If you plan on getting more, you can consider investing in a Herpstat 2 or higher.


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Originally Posted by BPGator

Never heard of that. I wouldn't like it just because it prevents your snake from getting to close to the side of the cage, doesn't it?


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No, as you can see he is right next to it. But he doesn't get close to it often. When he was in an enclosure with RHP on top he didn't get on the warm side much, same with my other Boa.

Like i said, I'm just experimenting. I keep a close eye on things. If I see anything unpleasant I will move it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SimonPalmieri

I'm now looking for a proportional thermostat to use with the heat panel. I've heard good things about Spyder Robotics' Herpstat t-stats.
http://www.spyderrobotics.com/index....products_id=25

This was the model I was looking at, does anyone know if it is a good t-stat for a heat panel?

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It will work perfect. Herpstat appears to be the the preferred quality thermostat here with Vivarium Electronics running second for a less money. As Bpgator said, if there is any chance you may be getting another snake you may want to go with an H2. It will be cheaper than 2 H1's.

I have a good range of Herpstats: Basic, 3 H2's, H4,and an H6. All are serving me well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SimonPalmieri

Hey there guys,

I recently just purchased a 24Lx24Dx12H PVC enclosure and I would like to heat it using a Radiant Heat Panel. The thing I'm unsure of is whether to purchase a 28 watt or a 40 watt panel. I'm thinking that the 28 would be fine since the enclosure is only 12 inches high but I want to be sure before I purchase. :)

I'm looking at this page: http://www.reptilebasics.com/rbi-radiant-heat-panels

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I will second everything everyone else has said in regards to pro products and herpstat thermostats. This is the combination I use in my personal cages. For a 24 x 24 x 12 cage, I suspect you would be using a PH-2 panel, which is around 35-40 watts. I have one in my gecko enclosure, but I would have to go look to see the exact wattage. Generally, I would reccomend going a little over what you think you will need in regards to wattage. It is not usually much of a price increase and while it is easy to set a panel to be cooler, it is impossible for a panel to exceed its maximum heat output.

I should note as an aside that while that above enclosure would be more than suitable for a growing ball python, it is really too small for an adult.

Quote:

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I will second everything everyone else has said in regards to pro products and herpstat thermostats. This is the combination I use in my personal cages. For a 24 x 24 x 12 cage, I suspect you would be using a PH-2 panel, which is around 35-40 watts. I have one in my gecko enclosure, but I would have to go look to see the exact wattage. Generally, I would reccomend going a little over what you think you will need in regards to wattage. It is not usually much of a price increase and while it is easy to set a panel to be cooler, it is impossible for a panel to exceed its maximum heat output.

I should note as an aside that while that above enclosure would be more than suitable for a growing ball python, it is really too small for an adult.

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Yep! I have the PH-2 panel.

Just an update...

I received my Pro-Products RHP and my Herpstat thermostat and I'm excited to get this thing setup.
Please tell me if this sounds about right:

I want to mount the panel on the right hand side as that will be my hot side. Then, I can put the thermostat probe on that same side and adjust accordingly to what makes that hot side hit the desired temperature.

I have a question though regarding the probe... how do I go about mounting it in the enclosure? Should I just drill a hole in the back of my enclosure and let it hang down? Or is it recommended to fasten it in some way?

Sorry if these questions are silly, I just want to make sure I'm doing this right. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SimonPalmieri

Yep! I have the PH-2 panel.

Just an update...

I received my Pro-Products RHP and my Herpstat thermostat and I'm excited to get this thing setup.
Please tell me if this sounds about right:

I want to mount the panel on the right hand side as that will be my hot side. Then, I can put the thermostat probe on that same side and adjust accordingly to what makes that hot side hit the desired temperature.

I have a question though regarding the probe... how do I go about mounting it in the enclosure? Should I just drill a hole in the back of my enclosure and let it hang down? Or is it recommended to fasten it in some way?

Sorry if these questions are silly, I just want to make sure I'm doing this right. :)

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Instead of telling you what to do, I'll tell you what I did and you can compare to what others have done and suggest....then do what's best for you.

I have my probe on the "cool" side of the enclosure and set the Herpstat to what my desired ambient temp is. I just drilled a hole large enough for it to squeeze through and let it hang. Since the picture was taken I've adjusted it higher off the bedding so the snake can't lay against it and cause a false reading.

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../herpstat.jpeg