Will my CHE be a problem with my exo-teraa terrarium??

[Kevin8998]

I can 100% guarantee the plastic will NOT melt. I have the same exact terrarium and I use the same CHE and I was also worried about the same thing, but just to be safe I covered the plastic bars in aluminum foil tape (Which is heat resistant), but either way it will not melt.

No need to worry. Just use that tape to cover the plastic and place the lamp right on top. The CHE bulb will not touch the bars because it's smaller, so the only thing that will is the edge rim of the lamp. No need to worry about that as it doesn't even get nearly as hot as the CHE bulb too.

[tttaylorrr]

I can 100% guarantee the plastic will NOT melt. I have the same exact terrarium and I use the same CHE and I was also worried about the same thing, but just to be safe I covered the plastic bars in aluminum foil tape (Which is heat resistant), but either way it will not melt.

No need to worry. Just use that tape to cover the plastic and place the lamp right on top. The CHE bulb will not touch the bars because it's smaller, so the only thing that will is the edge rim of the lamp. No need to worry about that as it doesn't even get nearly as hot as the CHE bulb too.

how can you guarantee this 100% based on one single experience? the dome does not get as hot as the CHE, but the dome can still get very hot; mine does to the point where i can't keep my hands on it. most instruction manuals that come with CHEs and domes say to not have the product touch anything that is flammable or could present a fire hazard (like plastics).

if someone can eliminate ANY risk factors with a simple modification, then it should be done. it's always better to be safe than sorry...

[GiddyGoat]

Okay everyone here's the dealio. I'm a minor and as one I still have to listen to my father. So whatever he says goes. Even with that, I still have concerns. I WILL be trying the 75W. If it does not work, I will simple have to try something else. I am not afraid of spending a little extra cash on a new bulb and fixture to make everything right.

I appreciate all of your input. I really do. But it's something that my dad is not comfortable with, and something that I am still scared of myself.

Thank you to the user who suggested the bubble wrap method along with having two bulbs, I'll see what happens with the heat. I don't want to do anything unless I absolutely 100% need to, but insulation has been highly suggested so I will definitely heavily consider that product. Thanks again.

Also, I have heard of the 100W CHE working with the aluminum foil tape, but like I said I don't have to raise the temp that drastically- I mean all of a sudden it's getting up to 76 on the hot side sometimes for whatever reason- and I am willing to try the 75W first and avoid touching the plastic completely. Thank you for sharing your experience, though.

So, the 75W is DEFINITELY being tested first. That IS what WILL be happening. I will update the thread after I get it and after some experimentation. If it doesn't work, yeah, I could try something else. But that's what's going on. I appreciate everyone's help with this issue from the very beginning. Thanks a bunch, toodles.

[Kevin8998]

how can you guarantee this 100% based on one single experience? the dome does not get as hot as the CHE, but the dome can still get very hot; mine does to the point where i can't keep my hands on it. most instruction manuals that come with CHEs and domes say to not have the product touch anything that is flammable or could present a fire hazard (like plastics).

if someone can eliminate ANY risk factors with a simple modification, then it should be done. it's always better to be safe than sorry...

I can guarantee this because like I said I have the same tank (so obviously the same black plastic bars) and I use a CHE exactly as he is describing and it's 100W and I have it turned full heat and it's always resting on those bars. I covered it with the aluminum foil tape and haven't had any issues. The bars don't even get very hot.

I'm just saying it's safe because I've been through this and tested it and it is safe to place on those bars.

[GiddyGoat]

I can guarantee this because like I said I have the same tank (so obviously the same black plastic bars) and I use a CHE exactly as he is describing and it's 100W and I have it turned full heat and it's always resting on those bars. I covered it with the aluminum foil tape and haven't had any issues. The bars don't even get very hot.

I'm just saying it's safe because I've been through this and tested it and it is safe to place on those bars.

I am a female, but don't worry everyone does that haha. I'll consider this if the 75W does not work. But I'm going to try that first, since it won't be my only heat source (I have a UTH). But sometimes things can happen even if it's the same situation.

Ps- I know this response wasn't to me but I felt like I needed to respond