CHE Question

[Morris Reese]

Currently I am using the dreaded heat lamps for my snake. I am changing to CHE for ambient temps. The enclosure that I am working on is 60" x 24" x 24". The enclosure will be cluttered with mopani wood, rocks, hides, and artificial plants, so it's not just wide open. I wanted to get some opinions on the wattage of the CHE I should get. I'm not experienced with the heating of these. If they are comparable to the same wattage bulb I can plan on getting 150 watt. I just wasn't sure if they actually heat better.

[Cowtipper]

I don't think even a 150 would heat that big of an enclosure enough. I would recommend a RHP instead. Look in to getting one of those, they are more expensive, but it will last 10 years or so and are designed to heat larger enclosures like yours better. Get a thermostat for it as well, even if you do decide to try a CHE. The more watts you use, the less it has to work to heat up the area, but you MUST use a thermostat or you will overheat the enclosure.

[PitOnTheProwl]

Why are you wanting to build such a large house?
That is way more space than you could ever need for one ball.
Honestly you could turn that on its side, add some shelves and throw in about 8 28qt tubs.

[bcr229]

I wanted to get some opinions on the wattage of the CHE I should get.

1) What is the ambient temperature of the room normally? If you keep the house cool then you should consider a second UTH to run on the cool sideat about 80*F, with the one on the warm side at 90*F.
2) That size enclosure is overkill for BP but a male BCI or a BRB would be a good candidate, if you can keep the humidity up also.

[Morris Reese]

Yea, I realize it's an overkill for a BP. I have not actually started building it yet. I am thinking of dropping the size down to 48" long. I still plan on 2' D x 2' W.
I do use TSTATS on everything I have! There is no exception for those in my book! I also use digital hygrometers. I'm thinking with a 48" x 24" x 24" I could probably use a 150 watt CHE. If needed I could always add a lower wattage to the cool side to keep an ambient 75 degrees on that side. I will be using 2 of the Intellitemp heat mats. Hot side at 90 and cool side around 80. Yep! TSTAT on each!
Thanks for all the great advise. Now I just need to get busy!!