Fueding RHPs

[Metalluscat]

I recently purchased a PVC cage for my hatchlings along with a Reptile Basics RHP.

Has anyone had any issues with their radiant heat panels?

I spoke with a man from Pro Products in regards to their RHPs and he informed me Reptile Basics have a tendency to burn or catch fire due to a malfunction in their shut-off switch.

This has me worried and I would like to not cook my ball pythons.

Does anyone have experience with either company(Reptile Basics and Pro Products) RHP?

[jclaiborne]

The only RHP I have first hand experience with is Helix. When I was looking at buying them I was going back and forth between Helix and Reptile Basics and was told the same thing by a customer in the store that walked by me. He said that his RBs one had melted his enclosure, so I went with Helix. However Pro Products has a great reputation.

[CloudtheBoa]

I have RHP's in my 6ft wooden enclosures. I did have some problems maintaining temps, but I believe it to be more due to the fact they're uninsulated and have glass doors. I installed CHE's on the opposite ends and covered up the doors and I didn't have anymore problems. I've never had them malfunction or burn when I touched them either. I think I got them from Reptile Basics, but I don't have any of my stuff with me right now because I'm still trying to get stuff out of my father's place and I've been using them for about half a year now.

[Mr. Misha]

I have a pro products PH-3 (65 watt) in my AP T-12 and it works great. I haven't had any issues so far.

I haven't heard anything about the Reptile Basics RHPs. Maybe someone else can chime in on this.

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[Metalluscat]

"I have a pro products PH-3 (65 watt) in my AP T-12 and it works great. I haven't had any issues so far."


That's the panel they suggested for me. How long have you had it? Where do you have the thermostat sensor located for it?

[Mr. Misha]

That's the panel they suggested for me. How long have you had it? Where do you have the thermostat sensor located for it?

I bought my Animal Plastc T-12 used a couple of months ago with the PH-3 installed in it already. The owner before me bought it a couple of years ago and had AP install it into the enclosure.

I don't have a thermostat sensor on it since it's provides my ambient temps for the whole enclosure. However, I have it on a dimmer and a seperate thermometer under the RHP so I know what the temps are.





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[Skiploder]

I recently purchased a PVC cage for my hatchlings along with a Reptile Basics RHP.

Has anyone had any issues with their radiant heat panels?

I spoke with a man from Pro Products in regards to their RHPs and he informed me Reptile Basics have a tendency to burn or catch fire due to a malfunction in their shut-off switch.

This has me worried and I would like to not cook my ball pythons.

Does anyone have experience with either company(Reptile Basics and Pro Products) RHP?

Well, there are people out there that claim that Pro Products heat panels catch fire. A couple of them frequent this forum.

Go figure.

I use both and have never had a problem.

Go figure.

[Pythonfriend]

these radiant heat panels come in different power ratings.

its safer when you only get the amount of watt you actually need, and not one that is rated much higher. with 160 watts, at full power you could probarbly cook some eggs. 40 watts is safer and may just be enough.

two reasons, why an actual fire is unlikely: it has a thermal safety fuse that will blow if temps get too hot. it will still get hot enough to burn your snake before the fuse blows, and the unit wont work unless you replace the fuse if its blown.

also you must use a thermostat with any of these anyway. the thermostat keeps it at the right temperature and will switch it on and off, a good thermostat will even run them proportionally. meaning a good thermostat can run a 40 watt heat panel at 10 watt or 15 watt or whatever is needed. heck, some thermostats are good enough that you could run a 1000+ watt oven or cooking plate at a precise low temperature.

so you have one safety, a good thermostat, to keep your snake safe, and a second independent line of defense, to keep plastic from melting and to prevent fire or smoke.

[Marrissa]

I have four RB RHPs (two in each T8). *knock on wood* No problems so far.