Pics of new enclosure, and a question

[AndrewM1217]

Originally Posted by toddnbecka

I use 100w CHE's for a couple of my Dominican setups, and 150w for the smaller carpet python. For your enclosure a RHP would be better, I use a 40w from reptile basics for my larger carpet python. I just moved him from a 40 breeder into a 75, and the 40w is the only size that will fit inside the plastic tank rims. It actually does a great job keeping him warm in an aquarium with a pegboard top, would be much more efficient in your setup. The 80w size works very well in my 4x2x2 plywood enclosures, maintains the ambient temp very nicely in those.

I'll definitely consider a RHP in the future

So I just pointed the IR temp device directly at the CHE and discovered that its at about 144 degrees Fahrenheit. It's crazy to me that the probe isnt getting to at least 92 degrees being that its like 6" away from the CHE

[dannybgoode]

Originally Posted by AndrewM1217

I'll definitely consider a RHP in the future

So I just pointed the IR temp device directly at the CHE and discovered that its at about 144 degrees Fahrenheit. It's crazy to me that the probe isnt getting to at least 92 degrees being that its like 6" away from the CHE

I suspect your thermostat is not an on/off one but rather a pulse or dimmer. Neither of these switch off so to speak but instead continuously vary the power to the stat to maintain a constant temperature.

I am not familiar with the various manufacturers of stats in the USA I'm afraid though so do not know the one you have.

[dannybgoode]

And yes the surface temps of a ceramic heater can be bonkers. I've measured mine to 500f on heat up so it does sound like the stat is operating and controlling the output of the heater.

[AndrewM1217]

Originally Posted by dannybgoode

I suspect your thermostat is not an on/off one but rather a pulse or dimmer. Neither of these switch off so to speak but instead continuously vary the power to the stat to maintain a constant temperature.

I am not familiar with the various manufacturers of stats in the USA I'm afraid though so do not know the one you have.

This same thermostat was previously used for my UTH in the last enclosure I had. It would turn consistently turn on and off as the UTH reached 94 degrees or dropped below a certain point. There is a green power light that is always on, and a red light marked "heating" that previously turned on and off. Turning up the heat on the dial doesn't seem to make too much of a difference since when it was set at 90 the CHE should be continuously supplied power in a (fruitless) effort to hit 90 degrees. I think I will pick up a 100w CHE later today and try that out

[AndrewM1217]

Bought a 100w ceramic heat emitter today and was able to get his basking spot up to 91 degrees easily. My only concern is that the hottest part of the metal shroud around the CHE gets up to about 115 at its surface temp. I realize this Is not going to cause a burn but it still makes me nervous. Am I over-worrying?

[toddnbecka]

Yes, a bit. As long as the bulb itself isn't accessible there shouldn't be any problems.