PVC Enclosure - How to heat it

[millertime89]

like this
LED Flexible Strip Light at Menards
you can wire in a battery pack or plug it in

what are the prices on the pro-products RHPs like?

[marvelfreak]

I use this only 8 inch ones and they work perfect.
Walmart.com: Lights of America 24" Under-Cabinet Light, White: Decor

[Gungirl]

My RPH is a Reptile basics 40watt and in my viv it works great. What ever you use just make sure its on a thermostat and you wont have an issue with burning your snake.

[mattchibi]

Originally Posted by millertime89

like this
LED Flexible Strip Light at Menards
you can wire in a battery pack or plug it in

what are the prices on the pro-products RHPs like?

Here is what they wrote back to me:

Matt,



You will not need any other heater, our Pro Heat panel will provide all of the heat necessary for your cage and will not pose any risk as many other radiant panels and undertank heaters do.



I would strongly warn you not to use heat tape (flexwatt or Flexel) as neither of these products are UL or CE listed for this purpose, both have a long history of shorting out and causing fires and even the manufactures specifically state their products should not be used with plastic or wooden cages. They pose a real potential as a fire hazard and using these products can have catastrophic results. Despite many confirmed fires caused by these and other heating products, most people in our industry don't seem to care until it is too late. You should make sure that whatever you end up using is UL listed specifically for the purpose you are going to use it for and not that it may be listed for a different type of use or not UL listed at all. That is the only way you will be assured that the product has been tested and certified safe for a particular use.



For the cage you describe with the specifications given and a room temperature that will not get down below 70 degrees, I would recommend our Pro Heat model PH-115, 55 watt, 188 BTU/h, 12" x 15" radiant panel. It will be able to create a variable basking area and gradual gradient across the cage. Our panels can be controlled with any brand of thermostat to create a desired temperature range. Pro Heat radiant panels are the only panels sold that can be mounted directly to the inside top of the cage against any surface without any risk of damaging the material or ever causing a fire. The cost of the model PH-115 is $89.95 + $12.95 S&H to the lower 48.

So $89.95 + Shipping is the price for their 55 watt 12" by 15" radiant panel

Also if you read the second paragraph, they strongly advise against using flexwatt lol, however, doesnt like 80% of herpers use flexwatt nowadays?

[marvelfreak]

A lot of people use flexwatt because it's cheap and you can use one thermostat to control the temp in several cages.

For one cage a radiant panel would work just find and you wouldn't need any other heat source. But like with any heat device you should always use a thermostat.

[Lankyrob]

In an ideal world i would use boaphile cages and RHP's but the costs can be prohibitive.

[millertime89]

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

In an ideal world i would use boaphile cages and RHP's but the costs can be prohibitive.

no joke, vivs and heating can add up FAST! That's why I'm looking at building my own enclosures at least.

[ZARADOZIA]

Originally Posted by lady_bug87

I wanted to incorporate a water tub by adding a refurbished sink (like a bathroom sink) which would be set into the bottom of the viv with descending pipe and valve for easy draining so she would have something big and deep to soak in. essentially I would build a cabinet and then cover the top and add in the sink raised enough so that the substrate would not slip into the water easily then in cabinet i would leave the pipe exposed with the business end in a 5L pail. I would add doors to conceal the plumbing then build the viv around the sink making sure the sink is sealed with calking it'll probably be a huge tank but she will be 9ft long :P

This is a fabulous idea! Thanks for sharing it!

[lady_bug87]

Originally Posted by ZARADOZIA

This is a fabulous idea! Thanks for sharing it!

thank you, my dad is a plumber (well actually he's a plumber, turned engineer, turned sprinkler contractor) so the pipe and sinks and stuff will be more or less free

[bbb13]

Originally Posted by mattchibi

It looks exactly like a boaphile but its made by people here in Toronto. I thought I'd give them some business and support since theyre one of the only reptile stores left in Toronto (I actually dont know any others), and since the enclosure looked legit.

I think I might give up on establishing a Lighting source in there for better viewing, just because ambient room lights will probably be sufficient. & I dont wanna drill more holes in my new enclosure.

In terms of heating sources, I plan to get a Pro-products Radiant Heat Panel for now. I am awaiting their reply on a recommendation for what size heat panel to get for my enclosure. After I try out that RHP, if ambient temps are good, I dont need to worry. If not, then I may decide to put some flexwatt underneath for belly heat and use the RHP for ambient temps.

edit: Rob, can you clarify on LED strips? where would I get them? And do you have to plug them in ? Thanks for all the help btw ^^ I know im a bit fussy since shes my first snake.

Hey is Managerie Pets on Parliment St in T.O still open?

[bbb13]

For those of you that use PVC, is it true that it holds odours after awhile? I've been told that HDPE and ABS is a better but more expensive plastic, to clean and stay odour free.