Reptile & Amphibian Forums

OK...want to do it right, I'll set up my enclosure with a Ranco thermostat and flexwatt.
Tank is wood, floor space is 2'x4'. (I'll router a recess for Flexwatt and acrylic sheet over the top of it.
Question...for the proper gradient, should I run the Flexwatt left to right...back of cage or front...etc.
Thanks for any advice...wanna do it right the first time.

If you can swing it, get a radient heat panel instead. I'd be a lot more comfortable with one of those in a wood enclosure. I've seen pix of scorched Flexiwatt before. I use Reptile Basics RHPs. 40w are working nicely in 36" x 24" x 14" cages, though my snake room is well above 70 degrees during the day. If your house is below 68 degrees, you may want to look at the next size up depending on how tall your cage is.
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Julie
www.[url ban]/gfx

I'd have to agree with Julie and go one step further, a RHP with a nice proportional thermpostat would be the best setup for a wood cage IMO!!! There are two downsides to Ranco's....

Ranoc's are an on/off type t-stat so when on, the heat element sees full power. Will get much hotter than with a proportional.

Ranco's are mechanical contactors. Not often, not likely but possible to stick in the on position and roast the occupant!

If you are set on flexwatt, still go with a proportional t-stat. The flexwatt will not see full power except after a power off or maybe after a night time temperature drop situation. This will even out the actual flexwatt temperature.

As for placement, I would go for one end of the cage and towards the back of possible. That would allow for good temp gradients.
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Thanks,

Dave Colling

www.rainbows-r-us-reptiles.com

0.1 Wife (WC and still very fiesty)
0.2 kids (CBB, a big part of our selective breeding program)

LOL, to many snakes to list, last count:
26.49 BRB
20.21 BCI
And those are only the breeders

lots.lots.lots feeder mice and rats