CHE Wattage, Set Up, and Questions

[fireflii]

So with winter coming, the temperatures are dropping, and I want to get my ball python a CHE to keep the ambient up. However, I'm not sure what wattage to get nor am I sure how to set it up (I have an idea--I saw someone post some pictures on here in another thread which I can't find now--but I just want another confirmation (and some pictures if possible). His tub is a 16qt sterilite tub that looks like this. The best I can find (in regards to how much needs to be heated, how far away the bulb is, etc.) is a 60 watt (I only need to raise it about 10F or less)? My idea in mind is to cut a hole in the tub with a soldering iron, and then duct tape (from the outside only) a cut piece of mesh wire (like aquarium mesh) over the cut area, and then put the CHE on top of that.

Can anyone give me advice on whether this sounds accurate, unsafe, etc.? I've read a few places that say CHE get hot easily and can overheat your pet, but I would be using a thermostat so it won't overheat. Will I have problems with my snake trying to rub against the mesh (I assume he'll be curious, but I'm more concerned about him accidentally burning himself)? Do I need to hang the lamp instead of set it on top of the mesh (assuming it's in a dome cover)? There's not really any way I can do that, though, and I've seen a lot of people use lamps, CHE, etc. right against the top of a lid/cover/etc. Someone also mentioned that you need substrate if you use a CHE (I currently use paper towels). Is this true or...? I'm aware it sucks humidity, but I'm not too worried about it since I can just make a humid hide if it gets too low. But is there another reason that you need to use substrate with a CHE, or is this information incorrect?

Also, possibly dumb question, but does the CHE come with a dome cover (like here (not my image)) or is that bought separately?

Thanks for any help!

[pbyeerts]

The CHE is actually a type of bulb, and screws into any basic heat lamp. I don't know anything about tubs, so someone else can help you with that. Do check out the tub setup sticky for some more info.......


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[PitOnTheProwl]

Duct tape wouldn't hold a screen on if your snake decides to push on it.
The CHE will heat the screen to the point your snake could get burned.
What are you using to heat the tub now?
Your easier bet would be just getting an oil filled heater and placing it close to the tub to heat the ambient temperatures.

[fireflii]

@pbyeerts
Ah that makes sense, thank you! I've seen the tub set up thread, but it has nothing about external light (otherwise my tub has already been set up for awhile).

@PitOnTheProwl
At the moment, there is nothing heating the ambient temperature. The only heat source I have is the UTH for his hot spot (which, as expected, does not affect ambient). I live in Texas, so the ambient easily gets to 81-83F during the warmer months. Since the tornado, rain, etc. and the naturally colder weather, it has been dropping to 77-79, so I'm trying to get something to heat the ambient before fall actually sets in. As for the CHE heating the wire, what are the statistics or chances for this? The CHE will only be hot enough to raise the ambient about 5F. I've also seen plenty of people use heat lamps on terrariums/tanks, however, I have not actually heard about problems about the wire burning the snake (so that's something to look into).

I would rather not get an oil heater since it's expensive (especially since this source of heat will only be used during the winter), and there isn't really any place to put it anyway (the tub is on top of a dresser which is taken up by the tub and the snake supplies--temperature gun, scale, tongs, extra hides, extra water bowl, thermostat, etc.). Based on what I've also read (just a few small comments really), there seems to be trouble with getting the air to heat up around the tub rather than the whole room (and putting the tub in a small room or closet is not possible).

Is there maybe something other than metal mesh I can use to provide cover? This was also the thread I had originally found, but wanted more recent feedback. I was also just looking at this thread. What are your thoughts (or anyone reading this) about a CHE over the top with just more holes cut out? At what temperature should I be concerned about it melting (I'm already assuming the temperature will be significantly lower than the UTH which does not melt the tub). Would that be a possible method to consider?

[JoshSloane]

You could get an ExoTerra CHE lamp that has a hook, and suspend the CHE over the tub. I would go with a 100w CHE, and put it on a lamp dimmer to control its output. That way you have some room to play with the temps. I believe that several companies make lamp stands that allow the CHE to dangle over any object.

The wire cage used in the ExoTerra brand lamps creates a 3-4 inch barrier between the CHE and any surface below it, preventing any melting of the tub.

[fireflii]

@JoshSloane
I didn't know lamp stands were a thing. I'll definitely look into that! How would you recommend setting it up, though? Even if I have the CHE over the tub, would the holes in the tub (that are already there for air/humidity control) be enough, or should I still cut a hole in the top and put some kind of mesh over it? Or would that heat too much as if the lamp were on the wire anyway?

[JoshSloane]

@JoshSloane
I didn't know lamp stands were a thing. I'll definitely look into that! How would you recommend setting it up, though? Even if I have the CHE over the tub, would the holes in the tub (that are already there for air/humidity control) be enough, or should I still cut a hole in the top and put some kind of mesh over it? Or would that heat too much as if the lamp were on the wire anyway?

http://m.drsfostersmith.com/product/...FQmPaQodCXIHrA

http://m.drsfostersmith.com/product/...FQQPaQodCLYDMw

Check out the two links above. I believe it would function well to increase the localized ambient temps. I think a series of small holes in the top would work fine to allow heat transfer. Not sure that mesh is necessary. Some trial and error might be involved. I've never done this but in theory it should work well. Make sure to use the lamp dimmer to adjust temps, you don't want to overdo it

[fireflii]

@JoshSloane
Thank you for those links! I think I'll probably end up getting one of those along with a dimmer.

[fireflii]

@JoshSloane
Hm, it let me edit my post before, but I guess now I can't.

Anyway, I was looking at the exo terra website further, and I just noticed that the first link you gave me attaches to the terrarium and is not actually a stand (if I understand it correctly). Will that work for a tub? Because the sides jut out where the top is secured (since it has locks on it). I suppose I could use the adhesive bracket and attach it to something else like a box and just put it next to the tub (which would probably be easier to move the tub when I need to clean it, etc.).

I was also checking the site, and 100w sounds too much? 40w seems like the better option...

[JoshSloane]

Sorry if that was a link to the wrong one, there are a few on the market. I was thinking of something like this-

http://www.gotpetsupplies.com/produc...FREoaQodSYwJZw

As for the wattage of the CHE, having a wattage like 100w isn't necessarily too much, because you will be using the lamp dimmer to modulate down the temps. The reason I say go for the larger heating element is so that you have some room to play with. With a 40w element, it might not get as hot as you need it, while being at a sufficient distance away from the tub to prevent melting. With the 100w you have some room to work with adjusting the temps up or down. You cant make the 40w run any hotter than it can at max setting. The 40w could be plenty, but if you are going to buy something that expensive, you might as well have some room to work with.