Heating for JCP?

[Jared2608]

What's the best way to go about heating a JCP enclosure? I've read about people using a UTH, but other people recommend a Radiant Heat Panel, because they're semi aboreal and others say UTH and CHE combo...

It seems a lot more complicated than a BP, but I'm hoping some of you experienced JCP owners will have some ideas...

The cage is 600mmX500mmX600mm (LXBXH).

[Wh00h0069]

As long as your enclosure has places for them to climb on, I suggest an RHP. That will heat the ambient temp in the entire enclosure, and the hot spot. A UTH will only heat a small floor area to a desired temp.

[Jared2608]

So a correct size RHP is good to go on its own, no bulbs or UTH??

Do I stick it to the tank lid?

[Wh00h0069]

So a correct size RHP is good to go on its own, no bulbs or UTH??

Do I stick it to the tank lid?

In the correct type of cage, not a tank, an RHP would be all you would need. I use plastic caging for my larger snakes.

[mainbutter]

Some people say use UTHs, or flexwatt.
Some people say use CHEs or heat bulbs.
Some people say use RHPs.

Take a moment and ask yourself.. why do all these people use different heat sources and seem to have success? You'll probably come to the only logical conclusion I did:

They all work well.

I use Flexwatt on my 4x2s for adults.. however when I need to add more 4x2 cages, I've decided to redo my entire adult caging, sell what I have now, and purchase a stack or two and get RHPs installed in all of them.

For my juvies, put together naturalistic planted vivariums for 'em. It was a fun project to put together display cages. However, they are screen-topped glass exo-terras, and the best way I found to provide heat is with CHEs.

Any hatchlings of any snake species I produce will be in racks heated with flexwatt.

I don't know what heat sources are available to you in South Africa, I know that it may be different from here in the US. If you're having issues, as long as your winter indoor temperatures stay above 70, you can even just use a heat bulb (lightbulb designed to provide light and heat with a reflector dome). Have it on during daylight hours, off at night. Provide more hours in your summers and fewer hours in your winters This is a good option that, if indoor temperatures fluctuate similarly to your seasons, will help your pythons seasonally cycle.

[Jared2608]

We can get any type of heating here, its only price that varies. Cheapest option would be a UTH with a Heat Lamp.

Our average summer temps where I stay are 27 to 30 but up to 32 some times! Humidity is in the 50 to 60% range.

Its only in winter that temps drop, but nothing dramatic. In all likelihood a straight CHE will be good enough. I'm thinking I should set the cage up and monitor the temps for a while, and add or take away as needed.

Thanks for all the responses guys!

[Vypyrz]

For my IJ Carpet Python, I have only a UTH, but I keep the ambient temp in the room around 80-82F (26-27C). He spends alot of time on his climbing branch, but I also see him in different spots around the floor, or occasionally, his hides. So, he does thermoregulate. As was mentioned above, it just depends on your set-up, and what heat source, or combination, will give you the most stable temperatures and humidity...

[akjadlnfkjfdkladf]

the best setup imo is using a plastic cage that's actually built for a snake and has a solid top (no screen). install a RHP on the top. RHPs hit the ambient temps, provide a hot spot, and don't suck out humidity like a bulb would.