Question about RHP from Reptile Basics

[martin82531]

I recently ordered a T8 from Animal Plastics and to help with the ambient temperature I also picked up two 28 watt RHP panels from Reptile Basics. My question is about the placement of the probe from the thermostat. I would like to avoid using any adhesive inside the enclosure but I'm not sure how to do so without using foil tape.

Any thoughts?

[reptileexperts]

You should have a hole in the back of your tank that allows for wires to pass through. Pass the t-stat cable through this. You can then use a Paper Clip straightened out to give the t-stat cable a little bit of rigidity. From here let it hang directly beneath the RHP in question. This is how I have every one of my tanks set up.

Cheers

[martin82531]

Would you be so kind to provide a picture of this set up when you have some time, I'm just thinking that the probe will hang down too low?

**edit** I see how this would work if the the RHP is mounted towards the back of the enclosure, do you have any thoughts on if I'm trying to center the RHP? Or would this method work as well, maybe just a longer paper clip?

[RestlessRobie]

I used hot glue to hold mine in place about 1.5 inches from the floor in the back of the enclosure worked great for me. Just make sure to keep the hot glue off the probe itself.

[martin82531]

I used hot glue to hold mine in place about 1.5 inches from the floor in the back of the enclosure worked great for me. Just make sure to keep the hot glue off the probe itself.

You don't have any issues with the hot glue being directly on the heat source?

[martin82531]

What about something like this?

http://www.amazon.com/Startech-HC102.../dp/B00008VFBE

I'm thinking maybe I could attach this to the side of the RHP and maybe get the probe to dangle this way?

I also understand this is an adhesive so please give me your thoughts on this as well, like tape being placed inside an enclosure, do you see this being a threat as well?

[reptileexperts]

It's a light adhesive should be fine - however, these types of mounts you are questioning are used for tiestrapping cables in. You'd want to get a cable clip mount for this to be more effective IMO - and they sell these as screw types if you want to avoid the glue all togeher - I can upload a picture tomorrow if needed of my paper clip mount.

[martin82531]

It's a light adhesive should be fine - however, these types of mounts you are questioning are used for tiestrapping cables in. You'd want to get a cable clip mount for this to be more effective IMO - and they sell these as screw types if you want to avoid the glue all togeher - I can upload a picture tomorrow if needed of my paper clip mount.

Thank you for taking you time to upload a picture or two, this is very much appreciated. I was thinking about using a zip tie inside the enclosure but I think a cable clip mount would be a better idea.

[kitedemon]

Hosted on Fotki

This is mine hot melt glue to hold it in place. I find it works ok the RHP holds the hot spot reasonably well. I unlike some have never found more than a couple of degrees to ambient temps to the RHP. The common thing seems to be addition of a heat sync to the set up so it will heat up and than in turn warm the air. RHPs are radiant heat just like UTH they don't have much effect on ambient air temps. Especially if you don''t measure the air temp under the panel (the probe being warmed by the IR and not accurately measuring the air but rather the surface of the probe.) The easy tell is if you feel a dramatic temp change with your hand from under the panel and not under the panel it is not heating air much if it were there would be little change.

The up side is if it is not heating the air it is far safer. If it is heating the air with any efficiency and it is capable of maxing at 190º (hotter than most UTHs) it could heat the air to 180º+ and this will cause serious issues for the snake.