Posted by:
HappyHillbilly
at Wed Oct 17 16:14:43 2007 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by HappyHillbilly ]
Laura,
I don't think I could've said it any better than Chris did, I feel the same way. Overhead heat is more natural and the use of ceramic tile, granite, etc..., if deemed necessary, works great.
(Good post, Chris, as usual. So, how have you been? I was going to e-mail ya last week but got sidetracked.  )
I've always used CHEs (ceramic heating elements) in dome reflectors that sit on top of the cage, with one of the cheap $30 - $40 thermostats. I'm going on the 4th year with the same CHE but had to buy a replacement thermostat after about 1 1/2yrs.
I hope to try a RHP in one of the new cages I'm building since I've heard nothing but good about them. But like you, after spending X-amount of money building the cage I will probably have to, or want to, scrimp when I get to that point.
I will be switching over to one or more of the proportional thermostats, though, because I believe they'll eventually save enough money in electric bills over time to pay for themselves, plus their accuracy and other benefits.
All in all, you shouldn't have a bit of trouble maintaining desired temps for boas/pythons by using a 150-watt CHE in a dome reflector with a ceramic base and a $40 thermostat. I also put a dimmer switch or rheostat on the cord of the dome holding the CHE for extra control. After awhile you'll figure out how to reduce the output in order to keep the temps more consistent.
To aid in humidity, you can place the water bowl directly under the heat source. I think you'll be surprised at how much more humidity one of those cages will hold. There are other tricks that involve a damp towel or towel in the water bowl with a few inches sticking above water level, etc...
A word of caution:
I , personally, don't think it's a good idea to have a cage where it can get direct sunlight from a window, door, etc... For one thing it can get too hot real quick. For another thing, it can be hard to consistently regulate the temperature within the cage.
Take care!
Mike
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American
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RE: more heating/caging questions - HappyHillbilly, Wed Oct 17 16:14:43 2007