Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm in the process of building a cage for a Burmese python and am looking at the choices for heat panels. I've seen the Pro Products version at a couple of reptile shows and was leaning towards those until I ran across an article written Pro Exotics recommending the Helix panels as being better made and more reliable. I'm familiar with Helix and have never had any problems with their thermostat that I use, it's been very reliable and is well made. I have had no dealings with Pro Products nor do I *really* know much about their product so far as quality goes. Does anyone have any opinions one way or the other? I'd really love some input on this.

Thanks,
Raven

I don't have any experience with Helixs' product, So I can't comment on them. I do, however, use Pro Products heat panels. In my opinion they are great. I have had mine for almost a year now and have had zero problems with it. I think it is a fine heat source and Bob is a great guy to deal with. He was very helpful in helping me pick the right size/wattage to suit my needs. I would recommend this heat panel to every herper!
Good luck,
Eric

The upside to Pro Products is the virtually unlimited sizes,I think if you talk to them,they will make panels to your specific dimentions?(I know they used to offer this,however,it's been a while since I've spoken to anyone there about it.)the Helix I have are encased in plastic. The Pro Products variety have a metal frame,and,a porous heat surface,which,given your intended use might need to be mounted out of reach of your python?(actually I'd recommend doing the same with the Helix,I've had large boas pull it down,because when mounted it has a "lip" which allows the animals some leverage between the cage top,and,the panel...leave it to big strong snakes! if there's anyway they can mess up the cage,they will eventually!*lol*(hope this helps)...R...

Thanks for the input guys. I'm waiting to hear back from Pro Products now in regards to sizes and prices - emailed them earlier today. As for mounting, I don't think this girl will bother it. Her current owner (waiting for me to finish this cage before I take her) has her in a plywood cage with a incandescent light fixture (the kind with a globe over the bulb) installed inside the cage for heat. She hasn't done anything more than a couple of tongue flicks in that general direction. She's a 13' girl and not particularly prone to much movement, much less climbing. Even so, I had thought a heat panel would be safer as well as more efficient...just in case.

Raven

The Pro Products panel never gets too hot to touch, so you won't have to worry about your snake getting burnt on contact. You can hold your hand directly on it for extended periods of time.
- Eric

as well. I have Visions and Ronne enclosures. My boas have not bothered them at all and they are all well within reach. I messed up on my first installation (in one of my rare ventures out of the kitchen where I usually stay ) and I put it too close to the top lip of the Vision. Mr Hershey started to wedge himself up there one day when I was putting him back in. I got him down fairly quickly and didn't realize until his next shed, that he had burned himself. It didn't show at all until then and was a tiny round white spot. Since then, it started disappearing with each subsequent shed and is now almost gone. I like them a lot and have them in all my cages.

The Helix was the one that was pryed off,I attribute this to the shape of the outer casing,(and,a rather determined,or,very bored 7.5 ft boa!*lol*)the P.P. model can have some rather sharp corners when brand new,(a small file applied to the right places can rectify this easily.)...as for the risk of burns...all of them should be used with either a dimmer,or,appropriate thermostat! YES they can cause burns!!! I have a 24 x 15 plugged in right now,(free-standing,used as a small space heater in the "baby room".) it's plugged straight into the socket,with no thermostat...I just shot the surface with my digital...196 degrees f. !!!! when mounted inside a cage,a remote probe thermometer should continuously monitor the temp. thermostats DO fail!!!

I have all mine plugged into thermostats, however, I had the doors off cleaning out the enclosure. I did not turn down the temp, so it got hot trying to compensate for the doors being open. Plus, I had unexpected visitors at this time. I was trying to finish up my cleaning AND talk to them.....so much for multi-tasking When I put Mr Hershey back in, he decided to investigate that little space up in the corner....and there you are. When I had my hands up there trying getting him out, it really didn't feel that hot - to me. There was nothing visible on him until he shed and a white spot appeared. I felt bad that he had been burned, and it was my fault. I thought the white spot meant that the pigment was gone/dead in that area and he would have it forever. However, I see now that it is almost gone. Each shed, his original coloring is returning.

n/p

Okay, let me try that response again.

Thanks for the replies! I'll probably be talking to Bob later today about sizes and cost to compare to the Helix units. From all I've heard so far, everyone seems to agree their both good products and reliable. That was my main concern all along.

Thanks again!
Raven

I took a chance and bought some of the desert rays panels from Big Apple that really seem like just a thick flex watt, but they put out just as much heat as my helix panel and they're only around $30. It's worth the investment to buy one and try it out.

After getting the quote on the PP heat panel (which is what I really wanted), I just don't have the funds for it at this point. I may try out the desert ray panel. Do you need a thermostat for those or are they safe without one?

Raven

I never had any helix ones so I cant really compare for you but I used a couple of pro products ones for several years and never a problem, they worked great I was really happy with them. hope this helps Jason
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Jason & Danica
Heads I win tails you lose. Get out of my way I am coming through. Roll the dice and dont think twice when we crush....crush....crush em...crush em! Now I lay you down to rest. You'll never be more then second best! Megadeth
Classic Dums frozen feeders

I had decided to go with the PP panel until I got the quote. I just don't have the funds for what I want right now so I'm back to looking at alternative (cheaper but safe) options. Sigh. Why can't we all be independently wealthy?

Raven