Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I have my heat panels hooked up to a Helix thermastat. I have it set at 90 degrees, the sensor is down pretty far but the floor temp reads 99, should I lower the temp of the heat panel so the floor temp is 90? I also have one in another cage where I have it set as 83 but the floor temp is 90.

Thank you

Jeff
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0.2 Rotts
1.0 Super Tiger
1.0 Amel Retic
0.1 Ball Python
0.1 Red Tail
0.1 Blood Python
1.0 Green Ananconda
1.0 Emerald Tree Boa

I heat with heat panels as well. And I get widely varied temps like that. I just checked my cage floor temps this week, and with Ranco set at 83*...I was getting floor temps of around 86 with a heat gun.About 1* difference on my thermometers. And that was in the cages without the probe. Remember, RHPs heat the air, not cage surfaces.
Try dropping your set temps down some. Remember heat panels heat the air. I keep my burms set at 84*, and my boas at 83*
And I'm beginning to think that is too hot for the burms.
I also have my cages wrapped in insulation to keep heat transfer to a minimum.

I think I know what you are saying but your info is not accurate. Heat panels do indeed heat up objects which then radiate heat into the air....do an experiment: place a rock or some object under a heat panel for an hour - touch it, it will be warm.

Getting the temps just right can be a little tricky but that's why its important to provide a thermal gradient in your cage. Temps can go as high as the mid 90's as long as the burm can get into cooler areas of the cage that get down to around 78-82 deg. F. Also, I use Pro Product Radient Heat Panels and love them.

Hope that helps.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center

>>I heat with heat panels as well. And I get widely varied temps like that. I just checked my cage floor temps this week, and with Ranco set at 83*...I was getting floor temps of around 86 with a heat gun.About 1* difference on my thermometers. And that was in the cages without the probe. Remember, RHPs heat the air, not cage surfaces.
>>Try dropping your set temps down some. Remember heat panels heat the air. I keep my burms set at 84*, and my boas at 83*
>>And I'm beginning to think that is too hot for the burms.
>>I also have my cages wrapped in insulation to keep heat transfer to a minimum.
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

I kind of had it right. But new I wasn't explaining it right.
At least I knew what I meant...lol
I had a long discussion yesterday with Bob from Pro Products.
He explained it nearly the same as you.
I ended up buying another RHP. By spring, I hope to have all my enclosures heated with RHP. ( Pro Products of course )Just 3 more cages to go!
Then I can add to my collection!
I'm also thinking of installing a work area sized RHP in my ceiling for added winter heat while I'm working in my basement, which is now my herp room, and computer work area.
Bob made it sound good. I may have to get one.
Thanks for clarifying what I was trying to say!