RHP Install

So I have a 67 gallon 4'x18"x18" reptizoo glass terrarium with pvc back back panel and a full screen top. Side open hinged glass doors. I am looking into getting a 80W RHP. The question I have since everyone I find comes with screws, how would I install it in my terrarium for my BP. I currently have a 100W CHE on a dimmer thermostat. I try to look for this type of install online and can't find anything....

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

For reference:https://reptizoo.store/collections/6...ed-dragon-tank
https://i.imgur.com/c2ynXb0.jpg

This is my enclosure.....
REPTI ZOO 67 Gallon Large Glass Reptile Terrarium 48" x 18" x 18", Easy Folding & Detaching Reptile Breeding Tank with Black PVC Back Panel Full Open Door Screen Ventilation https://a.co/d/guLa14W

Hope this helps

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by drmrboy2008

So I have a 67 gallon 4'x18"x18" reptizoo glass terrarium with pvc back back panel and a full screen top. Side open hinged glass doors. I am looking into getting a 80W RHP. The question I have since everyone I find comes with screws, how would I install it in my terrarium for my BP. I currently have a 100W CHE on a dimmer thermostat. I try to look for this type of install online and can't find anything....

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

---

Seems like ypu have a couple options. Retrofit (safely) a board across the top half ypu will affix your RHP to and secure your screws to it...absolutely be sure to use a high quality thermostat, perhaps dimming or pulse, etc, do your research on what's best for your needs.

Or, you could mount it to the back PVC panel using said screws. Only thing is I'm not a BP guy so their husbandry is not in my wheelhouse...whether or not side heat will work may be best suited for BP people. It may not be illogical to have it sit on the screen top, but many factors like screen durability and thickness will make that call and it's not the best one IMO. Just don't sacrifice safety over convenience, and make sure your panel isn't too big, diminishing the gradient snakes prefer. Hope this helps.

Sent from my SM-G973U1 using Tapatalk

O.K. I'm just spit-ballin' here, so bear with me. My first suggestion is to sell this bearded dragon enclosure to someone that has a bearded dragon and put the money toward a PVC enclosure. This enclosure is too open, and it won't hold heat or humidity. You can modify it to make it work. Lots of people do, but if you want a nice enclosure for a ball python. It's not a great start.

This enclosure is built for a heat lamp of some sort, not a RHP. Beyond the problem of having nothing to attach the RHP to, the 80 watt RHP you want to use is too long. It'll cover half the enclosure, so half your enclosure is going to be hotspot. Usually you aim for a third. Makes it tough to create a proper gradient.

Assuming, for whatever reason, that you're determined to give it a go. I'd go with Wanik4's suggestion above. I'd buy a piece of 1/2" PVC sheet. Cut it to fit snugly over the screen and screw the RHP, through the screen, to the PVC sheet. The PVC should also help hold in humidity. I'd cover the sides with foam board as well for insulation and to make your BP feel more secure. I don't know if securing the RHP to the side would work. I'd be worried my BP would rest against it and get a burn.

This is just what I came off the top of my head. Take 'em for what they're worth and best o' luck to you.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Homebody

O.K. I'm just spit-ballin' here, so bear with me. My first suggestion is to sell this bearded dragon enclosure to someone that has a bearded dragon and put the money toward a PVC enclosure. This enclosure is too open, and it won't hold heat or humidity. You can modify it to make it work. Lots of people do, but if you want a nice enclosure for a ball python. It's not a great start.

This enclosure is built for a heat lamp of some sort, not a RHP. Beyond the problem of having nothing to attach the RHP to, the 80 watt RHP you want to use is too long. It'll cover half the enclosure, so half your enclosure is going to be hotspot. Usually you aim for a third. Makes it tough to create a proper gradient.

Assuming, for whatever reason, that you're determined to give it a go. I'd go with Wanik4's suggestion above. I'd buy a piece of 1/2" PVC sheet. Cut it to fit snugly over the screen and screw the RHP, through the screen, to the PVC sheet. The PVC should also help hold in humidity. I'd cover the sides with foam board as well for insulation and to make your BP feel more secure. I don't know if securing the RHP to the side would work. I'd be worried my BP would rest against it and get a burn.

This is just what I came off the top of my head. Take 'em for what they're worth and best o' luck to you.

---

Yes in all actual reality, if possible, a different enclosure is likely more ideal if that's not too late.

Sent from my SM-G973U1 using Tapatalk

Yes it is too late..... my BP does enjoy climbing and she is less than a year old and already 3 ft.... the enclosure was gotten specifically to allow air flow cuz im in MS where it can get rather humid pretty quick and to accommodate her size. I was just asking if it is at all possible to mount a RHP to a screen top. I will go with a 40w and not an 80w due to the size since the room she is in stays consistently around 75 degrees

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

If want to keep the airflow that the screen top gives you, you could bolt the RHP directly to the screen. Take the screws that come with it to the hardware store. Buy some comparably sized bolts, nuts and washers. I'd look for large washers to keep the nut from tearing through the screen, something like this:
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/zEap19M.jpg.
If later, you discover you can't keep the humidity in. You could always cover the screen then.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Wanik4

It may not be illogical to have it sit on the screen top...

---

It's not illogical, but it won't work. You can't sit a RHP on anything while it's on. It'll burn it up.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Homebody

If want to keep the airflow that the screen top gives you, you could bolt the RHP directly to the screen. Take the screws that come with it to the hardware store. Buy some comparably sized bolts, nuts and washers. I'd look for large washers to keep the nut from tearing through the screen, something like this:
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/zEap19M.jpg.
If later, you discover you can't keep the humidity in. You could always cover the screen then.

---

So really the only thing I'd have to do is just drill pilot holes through the screen (it's a very fine rigid screen) where the bolts go and reinforce with the washers u mentioned and everything should be good?

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by drmrboy2008

So really the only thing I'd have to do is just drill pilot holes through the screen (it's a very fine rigid screen) where the bolts go and reinforce with the washers u mentioned and everything should be good?

---

I'm just spit-ballin' ideas at you, bro. I ain't never done it before. So, don't sue me if it doesn't work, but, yeah, subject to the many caveats I mentioned above, that's what I mean.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by drmrboy2008

So I have a 67 gallon 4'x18"x18" reptizoo glass terrarium with pvc back back panel and a full screen top. Side open hinged glass doors. I am looking into getting a 80W RHP. The question I have since everyone I find comes with screws, how would I install it in my terrarium for my BP. I currently have a 100W CHE on a dimmer thermostat. I try to look for this type of install online and can't find anything....

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

---

What model thermostat will you be using for your RHP?

Sent from my SM-G973U1 using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Homebody

It's not illogical, but it won't work. You can't sit a RHP on anything while it's on. It'll burn it up.

---

I was only saying this if you are using a HQ thermostat, and only depending on the temp you are going for. Obviously they are not meant to be run off a wall plug ar full blast, then yes, you would burn something up. In all honesty, the housing you have sounds ill-suited for a RHP, but you've gotten about as much advice as I think you'll need on the question, I hope it works out for you.

Sent from my SM-G973U1 using Tapatalk