Hi everyone,



This is just an update on my most recent efforts to get my new radiant heat panel working up to par.



When I first installed the RHP I mounted it flush to the cieling inside my burm's cage, like so:



This didn't work very well - that is, it just wasn't able to get my burm warm enough. So I installed a layer of foil insulation above the panel and lined the underside of the cage with the insulation. That helped, but only slightly.



So I took on the task of modifying the installation such that I could get the panel itself closer to my burm, while at the same time getting away from the cieling (where I felt it was loosing a significant amount of heat via conduction).



My objective was simple - lower the RHP. My only concern: keep my burm from getting on top of the panel and ripping down.



Here's what I came up with:



I got some 6" 1/4-20 bolts, with nuts and 1" diameter washers for weight distribution, to hang the panel. I then got some black aluminum grill to fence of the perimeter of the panel - thereby keeping him being able to get on top of the panel. Using fencing also allows for rising heat to escape into the cage instead of conducting away through the cieling.



And the results:





See that the heat panel is now just about as low as the light shroud. This setup brings the RHP to about seven inches from my burm when he is directly below it. And the border fencing is quite sturdy (though I admit, I could have done a much better job at making it look good...).



Maybe a different angle shows my handywork better?:





So far I've measuring him as being as warm as 98 degrees (F). That's much better, I'd say. But I'm still not satisfied. That 98 is the absolute warmest spot I could find on him. I think I'd be more comfortable if I could get the max temp up to an even 100-102F.



I'm going to try and think of what else I could do to bump the peak temperature another few degrees. If you have any ideas, comments, or suggestions, please share.



Thanks,

- Mark



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