Reptile basics RHP help

GyGbeetle · 03-23-17, 12:40 AM

Just setup our 6'x2'x18" boaphile with a 120watt RHP. Roof mounted. Reptitherm 500R thermostat (I am NOT liking this product), and we can't seem to get the hide above 80 degrees, which sits underneath the RHP. Probes are on top of the panel. This is for my albino Burmese Python. Any suggestions please?

GyGbeetle · 03-23-17, 12:42 AM

We are moving the probe closer to the ground. Thoughts?

**Aaron_S** · 03-23-17, 09:06 AM

What do you mean you can't get the hide above 80? Inside the hide or on top of it?

Sometimes probe placement is a reason why it's not reading right. I've never used those panels so I don't have any tips. Move it about and see what happens.

GyGbeetle · 03-23-17, 09:18 AM

I cannot get the temps inside the hide above 80. RHPs are attached; can't really move them around. We moved the thermostat probe from on top of the heat panel, to the bottom of the enclosure, hoping that the temp gauge won't prematurely cut off the thermostat regulator. As of this morning, the hide temp was 82 and above the hide temp was 88.

I really need tips and advice from those familiar with RHP, as these function different from UTH and CHE units. Do people tend to use more than 1 heat source in these larger enclosures? Where is probe placement for best results?

sattva · 03-23-17, 09:29 AM

I'm real close to buying the 160 watt model, so these tread has a strong interest for me... I'll be damned if I can find it, but I thought I read the probe had to be within 6 inches of the panel... You would think, that you would want it, where ever the basking area is; but the basking area has to be within 2 feet of the panel: I think??? Did it come with any instructions? Are you sure your thermostat is compatible? Although I don't know way it wouldn't be... You should be able to give them a call so they can talk you through this... Keep us posted...

sattva · 03-23-17, 09:41 AM

I hate to say this but you might have to jump to the 160 watt... Here is their recommendations ... I wouldn't panic just yet...

If your cage falls into the 2'x4' or 2'x6' range you will want to upgrade to the 80 watt panel. The 120 watt panel is for generally for larger cages 2'x6' or larger, open air enclosures or cool room temperatures. The 160 watt panel is intended for 6' and 8' cages. When in doubt you can move to the next higher wattage, just make sure you use that thermostat!

A 6 foot cage is on the border between the 120 watt to the 160 watt...

afsgr88 · 03-23-17, 10:12 AM

Why don't you put a heat pad beneath the hide? I do that and it works, even though my burm doesn't hide xD

GyGbeetle · 03-23-17, 01:28 PM

We have an extra heat pad. I think that's what we will do. The cage is really big and it could be that it's just not able to generate enough heat.

Just got temp for the tank and it's 93 over her hide, and still around 81 inside the hide. I think we may do the heat pad underneath. Her actual body is 85 right now (breeder recommended to temp gun her body).

We will see how it all goes

**Aaron_S** · 03-23-17, 06:41 PM

Why would you temp gun the body since that fluctuates all the time?

I would remove the hide entirely and see what the surface gets to consider the snake won't be using a hide forever
Large snakes eventually go without.

trailblazer295 · 03-23-17, 06:54 PM

Where in the hide are you reading your temperature? What material is the hide? What is the ground temp outside of the hide?

sattva · 03-23-17, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Large snakes eventually go without.

I did not know that... Is that because their not afraid?
Where does a 200lb. snake sleep? Anywhere he wants! haha...

GyGbeetle · 03-23-17, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trailblazer295

Where in the hide are you reading your temperature? What material is the hide? What is the ground temp outside of the hide?

I'm reading on the bedding under the hide. Hide is plastic. Outside of hide temps are the same.

bigsnakegirl785 · 03-23-17, 09:45 PM

The temp inside the hide is irrelevant so long as the air temp is correct. I keep my probes as close to the ground as I can while also keeping it out of reach of the snake.

Even adult giants will use hides, I would vote leaving them in if you'd like to provide them. I have noticed no evidence of it causing aggression or anything else people have claimed in the past, adding a little security or a way for the snake to get out of any lighting will do nothing but help make them comfortable.

From what you're saying about the temps in the enclosure, I do not think a heat pad will be necessary, the temps all seem within order. 82F inside the hide may actually be on the hot side, if it's too warm in a hide the snake may not use them. I'd just leave everything as is unless you start noticing other problems with the temps.

**Aaron_S** · 03-24-17, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigsnakegirl785

...Even adult giants will use hides, I would vote leaving them in if you'd like to provide them. I have noticed no evidence of it causing aggression or anything else people have claimed in the past, adding a little security or a way for the snake to get out of any lighting will do nothing but help make them comfortable...

Thanks for the criticism without knowing my entire point. I had asked a question about the temps of the surface without the hide, or next to it for a reason.

I didn't say remove the hides entirely at this time. I was going to suggest the same thing as you that the temps would be fine within the hide. If the snake needs to bask it'll climb onto the hide, no big deal.

I have never heard of hides causing aggression with large snakes. I've only looked at as it's a giant snake, who makes hides large enough to fit 15 feet of snake?!

GyGbeetle · 03-24-17, 10:13 AM

She hasn't gone into her hide since we moved her. She just stares at us and lifts her head when we walk by. She even tried to unlatch the enclosure, but it's a boaphile; it's locked down like Fort Knox. She finally went to the warm side yesterday. She seems ok; no obvious issues so far, other than her staring at us. There's no light in there at all; that's a project for a later time. We were thinking about doing an LED strip just to provide illumination for us to see her. They don't produce any heat, so I feel more comfortable using that than other lighting sources.

She seems content. I don't. I used to wake up in the middle of the night and just watch her. Can't do that now unless I get up out of bed and lay on the floor (which I admittedly did 2 nights ago)