Helix Radiant Heat panels

[DiamondCreek]

For those of you that have used Helix heat panels:

I plan on building some Melamine cages with either sliding or drop down plexiglass doors in the front. The cages will be 4X2X2.

What size heat panel should I use? I can probably keep the room at least 75 degrees ambient year round. What type of thermostat should I use?

Thanks in advance,

Rob

[sFlsniper]

I suggest a herpstat! lots of awesome reviews! and I'm still on the honey moon- but I love mine!

RHP- IDK. at least an 80 watter

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[Icicle]

don't know for that small of cage

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[LooseAFur]

For that size cage I used 65watt ProProducts RHPs

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[sFlsniper]

From looking at the Helix panels- their 53 watt model would cover 1/3 of the cage. so that would be the way to go in my mind.

looking at the RHP portion of their site, and clicking the "more info" button opens a pdf doc. In their it states that when their panel is new it produces "off gas". After just reading that- I wouldn't buy one of their panels.

http://www.helixcontrols.com/Panel%20spec.pdf

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[DiamondCreek]

Originally Posted by sFlsniper

From looking at the Helix panels- their 53 watt model would cover 1/3 of the cage. so that would be the way to go in my mind.
looking at the RHP portion of their site, and clicking the "more info" button opens a pdf doc. In their it states that when their panel is new it produces "off gas". After just reading that- I wouldn't buy one of their panels.
http://www.helixcontrols.com/Panel%20spec.pdf

Thanks for pointing that out. Its probably like the by products of firing up any new heater, but it is worth considering.

Isn't Helix panels what BoaMaster uses in their cages?

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[sFlsniper]

Originally Posted by DiamondCreek

Thanks for pointing that out. Its probably like the by products of firing up any new heater, but it is worth considering.
Isn't Helix panels what BoaMaster uses in their cages?

no, he uses pro-products. they do not require time to "off gas"

RBI Radiant Heat Panels - Reptile Basics Inc

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[DiamondCreek]

Originally Posted by sFlsniper

no, he uses pro-products. they do not require time to "off gas"
Reptile Basics 40 Watt Radiant Heat Panel - Reptile Basics Inc

Hey, thanks for the link! Since I would need at least three, the volume price break would kick in, giving me a better price than Helix.

Thanks again!

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[sFlsniper]

Originally Posted by DiamondCreek

Hey, thanks for the link! Since I would need at least three, the volume price break would kick in, giving me a better price than Helix.
Thanks again!

glad to help- the original link took you to the 40 watt model. I changed that link so it would take you to the page showing all of their models...

good luck!

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[Sliding Scales]

I hate my Helix panel...not because it doesn't do the job, as it does, but rather that it does not fit tightly against the ceiling of the cage. I like Pro-Products much more for this reason, and because you can get the perfect size every time. (he will help you with that) This is not to start a fight over brand preference, as if helix made their panels differently I would not be saying this. One of the most infuriating things about snakes is that if you give them a gap, especially one that you don't want them to use...they will then use it. Every time...without fail. That is why I can't have bulbs hanging into the enclosure, as my snake would wrap around it. Oh...my Helix panel stunk like crazy when I first turned it on...way worse than the Pro Products. It even says so in their instructions. But man...it took days for that the Helix to quit stinking, and a terrible smell too.

My next thermostat will be the Spyder Robotics HerpStat. The Helix is good too, and I have no complaints about them, however, the Herpstat Pro is the BOMB. That is because it has the 4 in 1 capability. Now if you just want an inexpensive digital thermostat then may I suggest the Hydrofarms Digital Thermostat? It is very reasonably priced, very easy to read, and digital. It is a seedling thermostat, so it has more of a temperature swing, I think + or - three degrees. That's not bad, for less than $30.00. Oh...another thing that is nice about this Tstat is that the probe tip is small. When you have to cut a hole into an enclosure it is nice not having to hack a huge hole for the probe, only to have a big gap around the cable to seal.



Hydrofarm - Hydrofarm MTPRTC Digital Temperature Controller for Heat Mat
Welcome to Pro-Products!
Spyder Robotics

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[LooseAFur]

whats max wattage on that hydro? couldnt find that on the site.

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[sFlsniper]

Originally Posted by LooseAFur

whats max wattage on that hydro? couldnt find that on the site.

I just read a user review on Amazon and the guy said around 500 watts. It's pretty cool. I might have bought this instead of the herpstat if I knew about it.

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[Sliding Scales]

Originally Posted by sFlsniper

I just read a user review on Amazon and the guy said around 500 watts. It's pretty cool. I might have bought this instead of the herpstat if I knew about it.

Yeah...I was just going to tell you that it was 500 watts. I love mine, and have never had a problem with them at all. Now the Big Apple analog thermostats that they sell...well I will be kind when I say that I have lost three of them already. (none that the would warranty) The HydroFarm is a MUCH better thermostat. It of course will not replace a Helix or Herpstat, as there is no night drop nor as accurate. But for a cheap, well made thermostat...well there just is nothing else out there. I will have a HerpStat Pro at some point in time, especially if I end up having a species that is more sensitive to temperature fluctuations.

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[sFlsniper]

Originally Posted by Sliding Scales

Yeah...I was just going to tell you that it was 500 watts. I love mine, and have never had a problem with them at all. Now the Big Apple analog thermostats that they sell...well I will be kind when I say that I have lost three of them already. (none that the would warranty) The HydroFarm is a MUCH better thermostat. It of course will not replace a Helix or Herpstat, as there is no night drop nor as accurate. But for a cheap, well made thermostat...well there just is nothing else out there. I will have a HerpStat Pro at some point in time, especially if I end up having a species that is more sensitive to temperature fluctuations.

good info. I've heard a lot of bad things about the cheapy t-stats. I'm glad to have one that is digital and dependable readily available for $30! that's great.

As far as the night drop- for me- that's only useful come breeding time.

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[Sliding Scales]

I just received an email back from Chris at Hydrofarms and he said that the thermostat pictured above is rated for 1000watts @ 8.3 amps. I sent the email as I got to thinking that it was higher than 500 watts, and thought it was rated for 800 watts. I wanted to confirm that so I sent the email. In any event, I feel that for myself it would be pretty hard to get past 500 watts, so I know I am in fine shape. However...at 1000 watts, that would be awesome.

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[sFlsniper]

Good info scales.

I just started using a cage with heat panel. It's the bomb! It really is the best heat source I've ever used- and I don't see myself ever using anything else...

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[Sliding Scales]

Heat panels are great! Makes the cage look great too, except I like the flush mounting panels. My ceramic heating elements work fine for what I am doing, but if I can ever build my new cage for my boa....I will transfer my panel to the new cage...if it is big enough.

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