Ceramic Heat Emitters?? What size

2006gt · 03-21-11, 12:27 PM

im getting a 20 gallon long setup for a Future bp i have a 10 gallon with a 60 watt CHE and half covered with a towel and it stays 80-81 ambient and a hot spot of 91-92 and she does fine i was just wondering what size CHE i can use to keep the 20 long around 80-81 ambient. thanks if you use one let me know what size and what size tank. i find it keeps the humidity better with forest floor/reptibark combo and i mist every other day thanks alot

Lankyrob · 03-21-11, 05:53 PM

I assume you thermostat the ceramics in which case i think it is best to go slightly bigger than necessary so that the bulb isht working at. Maximum capacity. In my 4x2.5x2.5 foot vivs i use 150w ceramics and they can easily get the temps way over 100f if i needed them to.

Deej85 · 03-21-11, 09:19 PM

Is it possible to use a ceramic heat emitter with a regular dome light fixture?

presspirate · 03-22-11, 03:36 AM

As long as the dome has a ceramic fixture. it would be fine, (Most do) Don't use a ceramic heater with a plastic fixture. I'd go with 100-120 watt on your 20 gallon.

TeaNinja · 03-22-11, 04:12 AM

i think mine's a 20 also? i have a 100w ceramic on top running without a thermostat and it heats it to pretty much exactly what i want. i check it with the digital thermometer every now and then to make sure it's good. i have half the screen top taped now to try to keep some heat/humidity in better.

mykee · 03-22-11, 11:17 AM

Are you using an UTH as well?
Any overhead heat is an unsatisfactory method of providing heat for a secretive, burrowing snake such as a ball python. They need to be heated from below, not above.
A CHE will also dry out the already dry air in a fish cage rendering the ball python humidity-deprived.

TeaNinja · 03-22-11, 04:47 PM

nope i don't have a uth at the moment. if he is having beautiful sheds could there still be not enough humidity? everything seems fine to me.

if he's eating/pooping/shedding just fine, i don't see how it can be that bad.
i'll probably end up getting another uth soon, but i assumed everything was fine.