Heating question

Azrt · 05-22-17, 12:26 AM

Ok so I found a local reptile store selling enclosures made of wood and exactly the style as he animal plastic T 8. Sliding glass doors, light inside etc. I have always used a RHP and thought I may try flexwatt tape. Should I still go 1/3 to 1/2 the length of the set up with heat? Is the flexwatt as effective as a RHP? More effective etc?

I'll be plugging into a hydrofarm thermostat

Thanks

dannybgoode · 05-22-17, 02:33 AM

Heat tape is essentially useless for raising ambient temperatures and is more to create a local contact hot spot.

The issue when using it in a thick walled (relatively speaking) enclosure is that it would need to be mounted inside the viv and then there is the risk of thermal blocking etc unless you out say a thin tile over it.

Personally for a viv I'd use some sort of radiant heat source; rhp, che, basking bulb etc.

trailblazer295 · 05-22-17, 03:09 AM

I agree with Danny.

Azrt · 05-22-17, 04:26 AM

Ok good. I have always used a RHP just didn't know if it would benefit me and it sounds like it won't. I'll buy a T8 and just install the RHP

pet_snake_78 · 05-22-17, 05:59 PM

Wood cages are very heavy and need to be properly sealed. Having said that, I do have one large melamine cage and it works fine just will be a real pain when I go to move it one day and UTH would be useless with it. I have an RHP in it which works great. All things considered, I think the extra money for AP's well made and light weight cages is worth it.