Radiant Heat panels side mounted???

[JWFugle]

Hi all have a question for you guys and gals.

im wanting to know if it would be safe/smart/ok if i were to place one of those ceramic heaters (such as this type RBI Radiant Heat Panels) on the side of the viv??

my concern is that my snake may like it too much and rest against it and possibly burn her self. i have one over head now and they are not that hot, i can keep my hand on one with out burning my self but i worry as with heat rocks if that would be the case with this. i would also plan on keeping it slightly elevated so she cant curl up right against it. but would be much easier for her to rub against it.

from literally rubbing my hand on one it is slightly more than warm to the touch and to hold your hand on it, but if you move your hand while on it, it get very uncomfortable. not sure if i just answered by own question but i would like to hear your opinion

this is my setup, it is older she is much bigger now but just so you have a visual

thanks for your input

[formica]

can you explain why you think you need it on the side, or why it might be more useful than having it on the ceiling?


you can use them on the side, I have in the past used them like that to increase ambient temps in large enclosures (not used on their own), but there are better ways to do it tbh, and unless you have a huge enclosure, you may aswell just set it up as intended, so you get the full benefit of a basking area, and good ambient temps

[jarich]

They work on infrared wavelengths, so putting it on the back side wouldnt be a great idea. Basically all the wavelengths would be focused on your front plastic, so would likely warp it over time. It shouldnt be that hot to the touch as a result of the technology. Thats sort of the point. Its only supposed to warm something that the waves come in contact with. You could put a spacer piece of wood behind it, between the RHP and the ceiling of your enclosure. That would put it closer to the ground and should increase the basking temperature for your snake. You could also raise the area of the ground beneath it by placing some slate pieces or wood, again with the same effect.

[Kid Boa]

Originally Posted by formica

can you explain why you think you need it on the side, or why it might be more useful than having it on the ceiling?


you can use them on the side, I have in the past used them like that to increase ambient temps in large enclosures (not used on their own), but there are better ways to do it tbh, and unless you have a huge enclosure, you may aswell just set it up as intended, so you get the full benefit of a basking area, and good ambient temps

Originally Posted by jarich

They work on infrared wavelengths, so putting it on the back side wouldnt be a great idea. Basically all the wavelengths would be focused on your front plastic, so would likely warp it over time. It shouldnt be that hot to the touch as a result of the technology. Thats sort of the point. Its only supposed to warm something that the waves come in contact with. You could put a spacer piece of wood behind it, between the RHP and the ceiling of your enclosure. That would put it closer to the ground and should increase the basking temperature for your snake. You could also raise the area of the ground beneath it by placing some slate pieces or wood, again with the same effect.

+1 to both these.

[Sharlynn93]

i am thinking the OP means on the actual side? maybe looking to up the ambient temps as well as basking?...just a thought...but no, I still mount mine on the top of the enclosure like they are meant to be...much more effective...if ambient temps are an issue, up the room temps, or insulate the sides of the enclosure?

[LarryS]

Actually RHP's can become quite hot to the touch. A panel mounted on the side could allow prolonged contact and possibly a burn.

Not worth the risk in my opinion.

[KORBIN5895]

Some of the plastic enclosure companies sell cages with a side mount option.

[LarryS]

Originally Posted by KORBIN5895

Some of the plastic enclosure companies sell cages with a side mount option.

I'm not condemning side mounted heat at all, just not sure if using a RHP that was designed to be mounted overhead is safe for the animal.

The panels I have worked with reach about 190 deg or so at full output. I don't know what snakes or other reptiles can stand heat wise??
It's hard to keep your finger on that kind of heat for more than a few seconds.

I'll have to go out and measure the temp of an asphalt road this summer. I suppose if a reptile can crawl across a road with no damage it can take a heat panel.

Boaphile offers, or at least used to offer a side heat option using a low wattage heat tape.

[KORBIN5895]

Originally Posted by LarryS

I'm not condemning side mounted heat at all, just not sure if using a RHP that was designed to be mounted overhead is safe for the animal.

The panels I have worked with reach about 190 deg or so at full output. I don't know what snakes or other reptiles can stand heat wise??
It's hard to keep your finger on that kind of heat for more than a few seconds.

I'll have to go out and measure the temp of an asphalt road this summer. I suppose if a reptile can crawl across a road with no damage it can take a heat panel.

Boaphile offers, or at least used to offer a side heat option using a low wattage heat tape.

I am not promoting side mount either but I figured he could search them out.

[JWFugle]

Hey guys thanks for all the input, yes i was looking to use it on the side of enclosure. i have a top mounted RHP already, was considering getting one for the side to help boost ambient temps.

but i will definitely heed your advice and find a better alternative. my current setup has it in my apts basement so its 68-74F down there so just looking for better way to keep it warmer. my temps right now are about 85 basking and ambient 78-80ish shes doing fine and i have had no issue with this setup but my RHP is always on so figured a second might help share the wear. but unanimous vote seems to be better not. so thanks