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metamorph0sis · #1 (**permalink**) 10-17-2002, 11:09 PM

I'm building a 4'x2'x2' enclosure for my 6' RTB out of 3/4" plywood with a 1/4" plexiglas front. From browsing this forum, I have found SO much wonderful information... thank you all so much!! For the design I want, I have finally decided to go with Radiant Heat Panels for heating. Now I just need some advice. I emailed Pro Products about their Pro Heat panels, which look really nice, but the one they suggest for my situation would cost me about $85. I've seen a few others online that look similar and cost similar. They said that the panel should accomodate all my heating needs for the cage gradient. But then there are the Desert Sun Radiant Heat Panels on Big Apple Herp that are half the price and 1/32" thick as opposed to 1" for the Pro Heat! But then again, I'm somewhat skeptical, because "you get what you pay for" almost always seems to hold true.

If anyone has experience with either of these, or any other RHPs, and can give me advice and some basis for comparison, I would REALLY appreciate it. If the Big Apple RHP is cheaper because it puts out less heat, then it wouldn't be worth it because I'd need a separate heat source anyway. But I'd love to save the money if at all possible. I mean geez, if I'm going to spend that kind of money I might as well buy a Kane pad. But this broke college kid needs all the help she can get...
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Nyte · #2 (**permalink**) 10-18-2002, 12:00 AM

I am looking into RGPs as well. Helix makes and sells them as well as thier proportioning thermostats. Check thier site. www.helix.com or www.helixcontrols.com I think one of those is right.
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Ti · #3 (**permalink**) 10-18-2002, 12:04 AM

Hi Meta!

Welcome to RTB (I've never done that before!) I have both, and I prefer the radiant heat panel. The Desert Sun panel is very thin, and I use it as a contact heater (similar to flexwatt heat tape, but mounted to the side of the cage, not the bottom). It doesn't get super warm, but warm enough, and is never too hot to place my underarm (bottom of forearm) directly onto it while it is on/has been on for a while. The radiant panel just seems to put out more of a directional heat, down/sideways/whichever way it is mounted. I have radiant panels mounted in two different cages with similar dimensions to what you have listed as what you are building. They work great! I have never had a problem with mine (except for one of my snakes that like to climb on/around it. I have a pic that I should post, just because it is funny!

I had been leary of the Desert Sun product, and I have been doing extensive testing with it before introducing an animal into the cage it is warming. So far, it appears to be doing well, but I mounted it to the side of the cage, not the top. And according to the directions that came with the Desert Sun panel, you should secure it into place with duct tape. Duct tape is ugly, and is another reason I have been testing the product. Tape and curious snakes don't mix (or at least my imagination runs wild when I think about my snakes with duct tape to roll around in!) [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]

To your point, you DO get what you pay for IMO. The radiant heat panels have been beyond great, and I recommend them to anyone who can afford them. They have a guarantee that is like 10 years, or something like that (don't quote me!) And, they seem to be well built, well functioning devices. I could not be happier with them!
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metamorph0sis · #4 (**permalink**) 10-18-2002, 03:20 PM

Thank you so much, for the help and the welcome!
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NYCSpeedcore · #5 (**permalink**) 10-18-2002, 05:37 PM

I would have to agree, I own three ProProducts heat pannels and will continue to buy them. One thing that makes them a lot more efficent as well is the insulation in back of the heating element, it directs a lot more heat down into the cage and has a light on it so you can just look in the cage and see if it is operating. Hands down the best heating products out there.
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ls1grrrl · #6 (**permalink**) 10-18-2002, 08:29 PM

I'd also recommend the ProProducts radiant heat panel. We use them in 2 of our cages, one of which is the exact dimensions you stated for your cage. We use a 1'x2' radiant heat panel and it provides a perfect temp gradient in the 4x2x2 cage (90*just under the panel, 83* ambient cage temp and a cooler spot of 79* under the shelf). The radiant heat panel is the only heat source in this enclosure, and is hooked up to a rheostat to adjust the amount of heat it puts out. Our room temp is around 77* day and night, and our panel is not running at full power. I think its definitely worth the money!

Here are some pics: ( More Vivarium Pics )

metamorph0sis · #7 (**permalink**) 10-28-2002, 11:34 PM

well, i have decided to go with the pro-products panel. which is better, a thermostat or a rheostat, and what is a good one to use?
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NYCSpeedcore · #8 (**permalink**) 10-29-2002, 07:34 AM

If your room temps stay constant all the time, a reostat should be fine if the cage is of a considerable size. If you open windows to let air in or you buildings/house's heating turns full on, full off varing the room temp I would say a thermostat hands down. The best thermostat I have ever used was from Big Apple, and I have three at the moment. They are digital proportional thermostat's, meaning they vary the current to the heating element rather than a full on, full off type setting. They run around $100 as supposed to $40 for a full on, full off type thermostat that can end up shortening a heat pannels or CHE's life. If you buy a proproducts heat pannel they warrenty them for 10 years, so that should not be a big concern anyway.
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metamorph0sis · #9 (**permalink**) 10-30-2002, 06:46 PM

does anyone have any experience with this product from big apple herp?
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