Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok, I have an approx. 3 foot red tail, and I will be switching her from her current 20 gallon long tank to a boaphile or Animal plastics cage soon, and just had a question or two about heating them.
I know many people just use an undertank heater and have their rooms set at 75 degrees or so and that seems to work well. I will not be able to keep the room over 70 constantly, so i dont think that option is very feasible for me. I would like to use a radiant heat panel, but am not very clear on exactly how it will perform in these cages. Assuming I get a 4 foot cage, would an appropriate size radiant panel give me just a hot spot on one side, or ambient temps, or both? if possible I would like to just use the panel, but dont know if I will need flexwatt or some type or under tank heater as well.
Any advice/experiences with this situation would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks guys!

I recently got some Repti-Racks that come with heat panels. They create a heat gradient and seem to work rather well so far. But I've only had them for about a week. I know lots of people prefer belly heat, but I figure the heat panel on top of the cage would give them a natural-like heat source. Just my opinion.

Jessica

Look into the ultra-therm heat pads and a Ranco Stat.
We use AP T-10's and 11X23" Ultra-Therms.
BE for WARNED the Ultra-Therms WILL EXCEED 95*F(their advertised not to)
The AP's are top shelf,once their warmed up they hold heat and humidity very well,the Ultra-Therms so far are proving a better option to heat rope and standard flex.

Would an ultra therm heat pad be all i would need, or are you suggesting this in addition to a radiant heat panel?

Just one quality heat source in a good cage and a reliable way to control it is all you'll need.

>>Would an ultra therm heat pad be all i would need, or are you suggesting this in addition to a radiant heat panel?

Thanks, sounds good. Does anyone have any experience with Animal Plastics built in floor heat? I heard that it can make hot spots since its some type of heat cable just looped around under the floor...Im sure its ok, would just like to hear what anyone has to say on it.
thanks again guys, you've all been very helpful

Primary reason we use the UT mats
Shop around and you'll find them comparable to other heating sources.

>>Thanks, sounds good. Does anyone have any experience with Animal Plastics built in floor heat? I heard that it can make hot spots since its some type of heat cable just looped around under the floor...Im sure its ok, would just like to hear what anyone has to say on it.
>>thanks again guys, you've all been very helpful