Radiant heat panels or heat pads?

[None505]

I have always used heat pads for my reptiles but I have been hearing a lot of good stuff about radiant heat panels so which one is better? It will be for a Rosy Boa and a Leopard Gecko in melamine cages.

[Mikoh4792]

They do different things, so it depends on where you live, ambient temps in the house during summer and winter...etc.

Radiant heat panels will heat the ambient temps as well as create a hotspot, heat pads will create a hotspot and have a minuscule effect on ambient temps.

[None505]

The house gets really cold during the winter as we just use space heaters on the colder nights but in the summer the temps inside tend to stay in the low to mid 80s but sometimes will get into the low 90s.

[sharthun]

Originally Posted by None505

The house gets really cold during the winter as we just use space heaters on the colder nights but in the summer the temps inside tend to stay in the low to mid 80s but sometimes will get into the low 90s.

I would recommend rhp's. I switched from heat tape a few months back and haven't looked back. Made a huge difference in the winter months. I have my RBI 40 watt rhp's mounted about 12" above the substrate.

[None505]

Thanks, what size RHPs would be good in a 4 x 2 cage that is somewhere between 12" and 18" high. From what I have read both Leos and Rosys need a hot spot of about 85-90 so would a thermostat like this Zilla Reptile Electronic Temperature Controller - Temperature Control - The Bean Farm work or do I need to control each RHP separately?

[sharthun]

Originally Posted by None505

Thanks, what size RHPs would be good in a 4 x 2 cage that is somewhere between 12" and 18" high. From what I have read both Leos and Rosys need a hot spot of about 85-90 so would a thermostat like this Zilla Reptile Electronic Temperature Controller - Temperature Control - The Bean Farm work or do I need to control each RHP separately?

I use rbi 40watt panels in my 48x24x15 animal plastics t10 enclosures and they work great.


Reptile Basics 40 Watt Radiant Heat Panel - Reptile Basics Inc

Or if you want more heat go with the 80watt panels.

Reptile Basics 80 Watt Radiant Heat Panel - Reptile Basics Inc

You need separate themostats. I use Hydrofarm and they work great as well.

Digital Heat Mat Temperature Controller by Hydrofarm - Essential Hardware

[None505]

Thanks, I am thinking I will be getting the 80 watt ones and the Hydrofarms look good.

[sharthun]

Originally Posted by None505

Thanks, I am thinking I will be getting the 80 watt ones and the Hydrofarms look good.

I have 5 of the hydrofarms and I am very satisfied.