Hi Derek,



I'd like to offer you both my experience with radiant heat panels (RHP), and my opinion. I too have a 6' Vision cage, with a RHP installed. Before that I used a Kane heat matt.



The heat matt I used (18x18 inches) worked very, very well - my only reason for moving away from it was because I felt it was getting a bit small for my burm. I have that matt in my boa's cage now, and it is still working great.



Once I got the RHP I had some problems getting it to work well for me. Here's my old post outlining exactly what I had to do...



http://forums.kingsnake.com/viewarch.php?id=681357,681357&key=2005



Now, to be clear, I have since spoken with the manufacturer of the panel who recommended that I do not use the panel on a rheostat, as I was. He suggested that I either plug the unit directly into the outlet, or use a thermostat.



While using the rheostat (on max. setting) the panel was running about 45°F colder than it is supposed to. After plugging it directly into the outlet it got better, but only by about 10°F. It is now only running at about 175°F peak, while it should run at about 190-210°F (according to the manufacturer). I was also told by the manufacturer that the panels are quite unlikely to be partially functional - that is, they either work or they don't - no in between.



So, as it stands I'm somewhat dissapointed with RHP's as a heat source. My experience is that it is only marginally acceptable, being that I have to run it at 100% output, which leaves me with little flexibility.



Even with it's current functionality I still opt to get my burm closer to the heater by placing a small 'platform' in the cage for him, particularly after meals. This raises him up about an inch or two closer to the heater, which he seems to appreciate.



I've found that the minimum distance is somewhere around 6-8 inches to really feel any sensible heat from the panel. That's a long way off from the 17 inches that would be if I still had it mounted on the cieling of his cage.



I wish I had the same great experience with the RHP's that I hear from everyone else, but I'm sorry I can't say so.



Hope this was informative for you,

- Mark

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