Radiant Heat Panel Thermostat Probe Placement

so for those of you that use radiant heat panels, where would you recommend placing the thermostat probe?

it is better to place it directly on the panel and adjust the heat according to thermometer readings? or is it better to secure the probe directly underneath the panel or on the actual basking spot and set the thermostat to the desired temp? any other ways?

i know multiple methods may work but would like to hear the reasons why the methods you use are chosen.

thanks!

I have a few RHP's in some 3x2x1 RBI cages. For the boas, I zip tie the probe halfway down the height of the cage; for the balls, I zip tie the probe much lower down (close to the floor) :)

I just let mine hang

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Originally Posted by qiksilver

I just let mine hang

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Typical male response :rolleyes::rofl:

I found with the RBI RHP that I was using on my display cage that running the probe underneath some aluminum foil tape down to the substrate and securing it underneath a light layer of substrate let me set the temps exactly where I wanted them to be and keep it there. Granted it probably wouldn't work with a bigger snake since I'm sure they would find a way to work it loose but I never had a problem with that with my little girl. Plus I didn't worry too much because I tried it (without the snake in the cage obviously) just plugged straight into the wall and with the low ambient temps in the room it never heated the tank up over 94 degrees anywhere (and I did check it with a temp gun).

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Originally Posted by starmom

Typical male response :rolleyes::rofl:

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McKin......That was hilarious.... Having said that, I let me hang as well. ;)
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I raise and lower the probe to get different readings.

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Originally Posted by qiksilver

I just let mine hang

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how low and to what side?

and thats a serious question pertaining to the probe placement underneath RHPs by the way. ;)

I put my probe at the height in the cage where the snake will spend most of it's time and I affix the probe by drilling a hole in the cage wall and mounting the probe to the wall, being held like a thermo couple for a pilot light is. I'm talking about 1/2" thick walls using small screws,with thinner walls a bolt with a nut ought to do.

If you put your RHP toward the right side edge, the probe will hang off-center toward the right.

If you're left-handed (ahem) you would mount your RHP toward the left edge of the cage and so the probe would hang off-center toward the left.

And, apparently, if you're a guy, well............ :P

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Originally Posted by starmom

If you put your RHP toward the right side edge, the probe will hang off-center toward the right.

If you're left-handed (ahem) you would mount your RHP toward the left edge of the cage and so the probe would hang off-center toward the left.

And, apparently, if you're a guy, well............ :P

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Yes, by all means, mount the probe beneath your RHB which would either be the left or right side leaving the other side as the cool end of the gradiant heat range (I'm just not all here tonight).

I've been using RBI Heat Panels on my Boamaster cages. I had never used them before, so I asked Mark where he recommends the probe be placed, and he said that he usually puts it under the newspaper below the panel.

It has been working ok, but sometimes the probe gets knocked out of position by the snake living in the cage. I use 'Gorilla Tape' to secure it between cleanings, but since the boas are in the 25 lb. range, it doesn't always hold.

I just ordered four more Boamasters and two more Visions, and this time, I'll be attaching the probe directly to the panel with silicone and using a temp gun to fine-tune the basking area.

Can anybody post a pic of RHP thermostat probe placement? I am a first time RHP user and want to make sure it is done right. Thanks!

I too would love a picture! I have mine on the floor under the RHP but do not understand the "hang" method you speak of.

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Originally Posted by maausen

I too would love a picture! I have mine on the floor under the RHP but do not understand the "hang" method you speak of.

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Originally Posted by adamsky27

Can anybody post a pic of RHP thermostat probe placement? I am a first time RHP user and want to make sure it is done right. Thanks!

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When I get home from work in the morning I'll snap a couple pics for you.

Sorry - had a busy day - here's the picture.....

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

LOL - photobombed

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Originally Posted by BR8080

Sorry - had a busy day - here's the picture.....

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

LOL - photobombed

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Figured I'd ask to clarify but is that on the cool side of the cage?

Sorry for such an obvious question lol I'm just so used to seeing right sides as cool side and left as warm that I was thrown off :p

You are correct - it's on the cool side.

I hung my Zikar thermostat/hydrometer right by the door on the cool side and I'm getting steady temp readings and all 3 snakes seem to be very happy.

So if I understand this right the RHP is on one side with the thermostat probe on the cool side. Set the temperature on the thermostat to keep the cool side at 80 and it will keep the hot side at 90?

I am totally confused. I have a couple new/used cages with rhp on the left side. I was going to insert the probe through a hole in the left side wall and hot glue it to the wall about an inch below the rhp. Is that a good plan?

My ball is out right now so I don't want to disturb her but I checked one of my boas enclosures.

Herpstat is set at 83 and temp probe is reading 82.7 - Zikar by the door is reading 84 - laser thermometer read 95-98 on "hot side" and that's where the boa is hanging out right now. During the day he's anywhere he wants - by the door - cool or hot side shelf - right under the Zikar unit.