LED setup in a AP-T12

[Mr. Misha]

You have me looking at the RHP's now. I was going to wait a bit before spending the money, but I'm sure you know how this addiction works....Got To Have It NOW!! What size would you recommend for my enclosure? I was looking at the Reptile Basic 160 watt. My enclosure is 48 x 24 x 24. The 160 watt measures to be 42.5 x 12.5 x 1.75. Would this be an overkill? Would the 120 watt heat it well enough? I'm just not experienced with RHP's and have never used one. Right now I have a 150 watt CHE that keeps the warm side at 83 and the cool side at 77. There is also Intellitemp heat mats on each side set at 90. I'm thinking the 160 watt would have both sides warm with no cool side. Would a smaller one keep the warm side warm enough without the cool side being too cool?

I think a 120 watt RHP will be just fine. I have an Animal Plastic T12 (48x24x24) and I have two 80 watt RHPs because the enclosure is split for two snakes and the RHPs barely ever come on. So I think a 120 watt will be just perfect. I think once you get the RHP, you'll never go back to CHE.

The important part with RHPs is to have it on a good thermostat because that will control your RHP to turn on and off without you worrying about checking temps once you set it up. If you don't have one yet, I'd personally suggest getting a Herpstat model. I have the thermostat probe hang down right in the middle of the enclosure and it keeps my terrarium at a constant 80 degrees.