Radiant heat panels UP's and Down's

[L.West]

CHETMAN7 - I bought the exact same RBI cage with RHP and absolutely love it. I was using a glass aquarium which turned out to be a nightmare with temps and humidity but with the new RBI cage - I've been able to keep temps where I need them and the humidity is fine also.

Good luck with your new purchase - I'm sure you will love it.

And one other point - I think my snake loves it also - since she has been in the new cage she poops much more regularly - and I would think that is much better for her system - just thought I would mention that - LOL

I am looking forward to her first shed in the new cage - I am hoping for a good one piece shed.

[chetman7]

Thanks West. I hope I do love it.

I am usign a 20L glass viv right now.. IT is a nightmare. i can't wait to get this cage in so I can transfer him over.

[L.West]

Going from a glass viv to the RBI cage - you will be amazed at how much easier it is. I had sooo much stress with worrying about the fluctuating temps and humidity in the glass viv.

I was told that the heat from the RHP panel would actually penetrate the snakes muscles (very healthy for them) and when I first took Bella out of her new RBI cage I could actually feel the difference in her body temperature - she was warm all thru her body. She's been in her new cage now for two weeks and appears happy and healthy.

One thing I will also mention - I switched to using the indented craft paper from Uline - it was the best suggestion I got on this forum. I line the entire bottom of the cage with one large piece of paper and then as the days go by and I notice she has pee'd or pooped - I simply cut out that area of paper and replace it - very easy and quick and the cage is spotless. Once a month I do plan to totally disinfect the entire cage also but for inbetween spot cleaning the paper is awesome.

[vgibbens]

My 2x3 RBI cage with 80W RHP should be here sometime this week. I purchased a Herpstat to control the heat. For those of you that are using these RHPs in the RBI cages, where are you placing the probes? I would think I'd want the probe on the bottom of the cage where the snake would be, but I don't want the snake to pee on it or dump it's water over and then cause the probe to think it's colder than it is. Since my BP has been on cypress mulch, I figured I'd continue to use it. Does anyone see an issue with putting the probe on the bottom of the cage along with the cypress mulch?

[chetman7]

HEy Vgibbens.

I just got my 3x2 RBI today with 80 RHP and I am also running an herpstat
Check out my review ad u can see where I put my probes..I dunno if its the best spot but Im' still playin around with it.

MY REVIEW OF RBI W/ RHP CLICK CLICK

[snakewrangler]

I've got to ask...why 80w panels in 3x2 cages?

I use 40w panels in 48" boamasters, and I have PLENTY of firepower. I keep a steady hot spot just fine...

[chetman7]

I've got to ask...why 80w panels in 3x2 cages?

I use 40w panels in 48" boamasters, and I have PLENTY of firepower. I keep a steady hot spot just fine...

I go to school in upstate NY and I'm heating thermostat is set to 70 b/c I have roommates that think its warm out wen its snowing out. and back home i live in a furnished baement, so it gets prety cold. my ambient can drop to low 70's as well

[starmom]

I use 80 watt panels also.
I live in the high desert where our night time lows are around 40F in the summer and in the winter? Brrrrrr!!
Also, I don't keep my house at summer temps in the winter time- we wear sweaters and it can get chilly. The 80 watt panel bumps the ambients to where they ought to be for the ball pythons and the boas

[snakewrangler]

Got it. I'd probably go that route if I didn't heat the whole room too.