Where to mount heat panel ? Advice pls

Shad0w · 10-13-04, 05:00 PM

Greetings...

Okay... I got two new helix heat panels to mount in my vision 222 style cages, they measure 24X24X28 (LXWXH). The heat panels measure 11X16, it was PCPets smallest units.

I have two small flourecent fixtures mounted to the top of the cages, one on each side, they are not terribly strong.. something like 15 watts. I like the extra light for the pothos plants i got growing in there..

Anyhow.. Below are pics on how I could mount it... pls take a gander and lemme know which way you would pick?
Obviously some ways will mean losing a light on one side (not a terrible deal)

BTW... these panels will be connected to ESU Thermostats with the probes mounted somewhere below the panels.

Empty Tank, looking at roof:

Position one (lose one light):

Position two:

Position three:

Position four:

Position five (lose one light):

So what would you choose?
ThanX for the advice guys!!!

Shad0w · 10-13-04, 06:16 PM

bump

munchy · 10-13-04, 07:36 PM

position 4!!

Ptindy · 10-13-04, 07:38 PM

I would mount position 1 personally

Shad0w · 10-13-04, 07:46 PM

Anyone else wanna chime in?
I sooo cant decide

Thnx

Bartman · 10-13-04, 07:49 PM

Four..but will you still achive the heat gradient you need?

Shad0w · 10-13-04, 07:49 PM

Keep in mind the lights can be moved any which way.. they dont have to stay where they are

Ptindy · 10-13-04, 08:05 PM

I would say 1 because you will get a heat gradient across and diagonally...in the middle it's the same on either side of the cage....I say that would give you your best gradient....4 is a bad idea

Shad0w · 10-13-04, 08:12 PM

Anyone else ??

marisa · 10-13-04, 08:19 PM

Off to either side for sure for gradient purposes.

Marisa

Ptindy · 10-13-04, 08:22 PM

Shadow in the middle you'll have the same temp up again both walls...either way you'll have the same temp underneath the panel so it is always offered. the opposite side to the one it's on would be lower then any temp u'd get if mounted in the middle...therefore a bigger temp gradient...therefore, mount on one side

Shad0w · 10-13-04, 08:27 PM

Why would it matter if it was mounted in the middle? I mean would you still not get a vertical Temperature gradient??? I plan on mounting perches with probes attached so it gets around 85 at the top most perch...

Shad0w · 10-13-04, 08:28 PM

Alright.. u guys got me pretty much convinced... I guess its going to one side or the other

Ptindy · 10-13-04, 08:35 PM

Good call...top to bottom you would get the temp gradient anywhere...but you wouldn't get as good across if it was in the middle....what if it wants to perch in a cold spot??? in the middle no perch will be cooler...

Mike

Matt_K · 10-13-04, 08:48 PM

what about mounting the lights on the front and back.. NOT on the top but a bit down the side.. Will give you the whole top to posistion the RHP..