The belly heat gets VERY hot without the thermostat, but it is not enough to keep the ambient temps up in the big T-10. I got the mesh cutout on the cool side and have the CHE there. I have a piece of aluminum foil over the circle and then I cut a hole for the CHE to sit in the middle of for two reasons 1. Protects the plastic a little from melting in case the CHE gets too close to the side, (and trust me it will melt) and 2. Keeps the heat and humidity in better. The biggest drawback to the CHE is it eats up humidity and I will eventually replace it with one of those heating panels that I will mount in the same area. You can't hook it up to the same thermostat because it is set for the high temp range and actually I don't have mine connected to a thermostat at all and have not had any problems with temps. If it is too hot in the house, a lot of times I shut if off completely.
Keep the questions coming, I'm no expert but I'll be glad to share what I've learned so far.
Quote Originally Posted by kurgan
Thanks for the advice and pictures.
It looks lovely.

I'd be worried about the belly heat maintaining temperature son its own especially during the winter so the CHE looks like a good bet. I note that you can order from AP with a circular mesh cut out on the top as you have. What equipment are you using with the CHE and I assume it is also connected to a tstat - the same one? if not where have you put the probe.

Great set up by the way - sorry for the20 qs.
Have emailed AP.