Heating a tall enclosure

pdomensis · 01-25-13, 02:10 PM

I am planning to convert a 4x2x3' high cabinet into an enclosure for my Bredl python, and I am looking at an 80watt RHP to heat it. Can anyone tell me if this size RHP will radiate enough heat for the entire cage, or will I have to get extra heat? I"m worried about the bottom of the cage not being warm enough, especially the hides. Is there a way to use UTH with a wood enclosure?

Thanks.

SpOoKy · 01-25-13, 02:21 PM

For stuff like this it is best to go with trial and error. There are many factors that can affect the outcome such as thickness of enclosure, the temp of your house, insulation. Best to have it all up and running for a few days and make appropriate changes as needed.

KORBIN5895 · 01-25-13, 04:16 PM

Mount your rhp about ⅓ of the way down the side.

JWFugle · 02-24-13, 05:06 PM

those RHPs will not heat the full 3 feet down. i have a 80w in my 3'Lx2w'x 18H rub and it barely gets heat to the bottom. you will probably want to get some flex watt to warm the floor. they will work fine in the wooden cages just mount them inside and flush to the celling.
good luck

KORBIN5895 · 02-24-13, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWFugle

those RHPs will not heat the full 3 feet down. i have a 80w in my 3'Lx2w'x 18H rub and it barely gets heat to the bottom. you will probably want to get some flex watt to warm the floor. they will work fine in the wooden cages just mount them inside and flush to the celling.
good luck

Hence why I recommended mounting it lower on the side.

Terranaut · 02-24-13, 07:20 PM

I use a 80watt in a 4x4x2 and it works great.
I just checked. The snake room is 80° with 50% humidity but the floor is 68° and my viv is on the floor. The basking are is 96.5° and the bottom of the viv is 78.2°. When this room is 73-74° those numbers are more like 92° basking spot and 73° bottom. IMHO this gradient is awesome and allows the snake (jcp mating pair in this case) to achieve whatever temps they like. My viv is glass so I assume this gradient would be less in a better insulated enclosure. Like said above there are many variables but I think if you put a branch or shelf close enough to the rhp to hit 90+ it will be fine.

pdomensis · 02-25-13, 08:39 AM

Thanks for all the input.