Warning About Reptile Basics and Other Heat Panels

[CloudtheBoa]

The mechanical side definitely makes me feel a bit better. I would hope after 3 years my panels would continue working if it was just the way they were set up. Iirc when I bought mine it came with clear instructions and warranty outlines with the panels so clearly if those were not followed that could set you up for failure...

My tubs have THG but they are standalone and do not move unless I'm cleaning or rearranging so no chance of rubbing it bare.

I can see if I can dig up a BOI thread for that one review if anyone wants to see it. If there is one it may not be linked on the post but it may also not be hard to find.


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[dr del]

Hi,

I'm sorry but I seem to have missed this - what kind of thermostat are you using to control them?

Is it a dimmer or a pulse proportional or simply an on/ off.

[L.West]

Wow, this is concerning to say the least. All my electronic equipment is from RBI since they've always been highly regarded.

I have two VE thermoststs running my two 80 watt rhps. I sure can't afford to replace everything.

What does everyone suggest. I am very worried now about a possible fire.

I don't think calling RBI would be beneficial.

What is everyone else with their products plan to do?? Do we just hope are equipment doesnt fail??

Very concerned!!

[Sauzo]

Well how long have you had yours going? Personally, I would imagine that if it was as common as the OP has had problems(2/2 failures with the exact same symptoms), RBI would have to do something as i'm sure they sell a lot of them and if they all failed exactly like that, they could be open to a class action lawsuit especially if hundreds of peoples houses burnt down.

I honestly think the OP has some issue with his set up to cause an 80 watt and 120 watt to put out the same amount of heat that he claims and warp exactly the same. To me it sounds like he had something under the RHP which was causing it to overheat and this warp and pop the fuse. But without details from the OP, its only guesses.

[erebus45]

I have two 80watt reptile basics rhp hooked to 2 ve-200 t-stats that iv been using in my t8's one of which iv had for about 6 month the other iv had running for about 3 weeks and both are doing just fine holding very consistent temps. the only thing I have below the panel is a water dish and one of those half log hides but their is more than 6'' gap for air (trust me I measured lol)

I would love to see a pic of the set-up the OP had his panels in.

[KMG]

Well how long have you had yours going? Personally, I would imagine that if it was as common as the OP has had problems(2/2 failures with the exact same symptoms), RBI would have to do something as i'm sure they sell a lot of them and if they all failed exactly like that, they could be open to a class action lawsuit especially if hundreds of peoples houses burnt down.

I honestly think the OP has some issue with his set up to cause an 80 watt and 120 watt to put out the same amount of heat that he claims and warp exactly the same. To me it sounds like he had something under the RHP which was causing it to overheat and this warp and pop the fuse. But without details from the OP, its only guesses.

Im feeling the same.

Id like to know more about how the OP actually had the RHPs set up. Something seems off. I know anything can have a problem and fail but if this was as large an issue as the OP is making it out to be I would have seen plenty of others saying the same thing by now.

My GTP cage has a RHP similar to that of the Reptile Basics with the plastic rim. I have had it since aprox June 2012. Since then it has been running non stop with no issues. I constantly check the hotspot it creates and the temp the panel reaches and it is always within a range Im used to seeing it.

I will say that I do like the look and thinness of the ProProduct RHPs I have in my large cage. Not that I dislike the other.

My newly ordered ETB cage is the same as my GTP just larger and I hope it serves me as well as the cage I have has.




Feels more like the OP just needed to vent. I don't see why they took the time to answer some of the profile questions, make that post, and then leave. I wonder if we will get an update about the ordered ProProducts RHPs from them.

[L.West]

My two setups have been running without any issues for7 months.

I've reached out to Rich with RBI to discuss this. Hopefully he can relieve my anxiety over this.

I've always used RBI products with no issues and alwsys got great customer service from them.


I was shocked when i read this thread. Was up all night with worry- not a fun night. I don't gave the fund to simply replace all my equipment right now

[PitOnTheProwl]

I was shocked when i read this thread. Was up all night with worry- not a fun night. I don't gave the fund to simply replace all my equipment right now

I would not worry.
Personally without any response from the OP regarding their setup and the fact that it has happened to them back to back I would more suspect installer error....

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I found it interesting that the this was the OP's first post on this forum and since he has not come back to answer any question or even logged on

[L.West]

I emailed RBI and got a very fast response as I've always gotten.

They assured me that there is no known defect with their products.

So, I won't try to fix what isn't broken at this point.