Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have an RBI RHP and read on their website FAQ that they can only be used if more than 6" away from any cage surfaces. I just bought one before I read the FAQ and where I want to put it in my cage is about 4" above a perch (green tree python). It's a glass cage with closet rod supports attached to the sides with silicone, so they can't be moved. Any ideas if this is going to be a problem? I don't want to ruin it by sticking it in there. I've seen pics of other brands that are very close to surfaces.

Although 4 inches is very close, it is also true that the cage should be large enough so the snake can perch near the periphery of the heat beam.

Also, you should use a proportional controller with the probe set near the perch.

I have deployed RHPs in all manner of experimental and traditional scenarios. It is my opinion that the 6 inch safety rule is a very good guideline, and I agree with RBI on that. It does depend on the size of the cage vs the size of the RHP.

For a 40 Watt RHP, 8-12 inches of distance is probably the optimal range for providing adequate heat without overpowering the area. With a good controller (proportional) you can go closer, just make sure the animal has room to move out away from the heat. Like maybe a lower perch.
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Mark

I meant maybe adding an additional perch lower if possible.
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Mark

I got a response from RBI and here's the answer: If it is small objects like perches, no problem. It is large solid objects that are an issue. They can block the heat from being disappated and cause the panel to fail prematurely.

Even though it seems to be ok I managed to modify the perch and make it lower.