Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey everyone! I just posted this on the boa forum as well (while I was there) but it really applies here because it's in regards to the burm I'm building a cage for. I was looking at purchasing the Pro Products radiant heat panel (which I'd seen at a couple of shows) when I ran across an article written by Pro Exotics recommending the Helix heat panel due to failures with the Pro Products panels. In all fairness, I am not familiar with Pro Products other than hearing their name bandied about. I am familiar with Helix however and have been very pleased with the thermostat I got from them - very reliable and well made. Sooooo, all that said, what are your opinions on this? Is the Pro Products heat panel well made and reliable or should I go towards the Helix model? Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Raven

I have a TON of experience in using both brands and there is no shred of doubt that Pro Product's panels are far superior to Helix. We have MANY of PP's panels in use (both at my home and at the wildlife center that I direct; we even use them to heat our outdoor raptor cages) and we have NEVER had a SINGLE problem with any of the panels we have used over the years. The helix models just seemed very inconsistent in their thermal gradient so we are using PP exclusively. You will NOT be disappointed with their products or their service. EVERY single one of our herp displays are now heated with PP radiant heat panels and we have seen a marked improvement in overall health, longevity, and even breeding success with some fairly rare species. Just my .02.
Rob Carmichael, Director/Curator of the Wildlife Discovery Center, City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation (IL)

From the feedback I've gotten on the boa forum as well as another burm forum I frequent, the PP seem to be the panels of choice. Even distribution of heat and a sturdy composition are what I'm looking for. My next question, is it okay to use the PP panels without a thermostat? I've gotten mixed reviews on that score and though I will probably pick one up a bit farther down the road, my funds are currently limited.

Raven

It will probably depend on how you use the panels, what species they are for, how big the enclosure is (and the type of thermal gradient you have). I have used a number of these panels w/out any thermostats and they work perfectly (but, if you want to play it safe, use a thermostat).

I'm unfortunately back to the drawing board due to a currently limited budget. I don't have the funds for the size PP panel I need (to fit an 8' X 2' X 2' enclosure for a 13' burmese). I got a recommendation for the Ultratherm heat mat offered by beanfarm.com (affordable as well as well-made and effective per the source). I was also recommended to try Big Apple's 'Desert Rays' panels (something like thick flexwatt was the description but supposedly comparable to the Helix units heat capability). Both are options I'm looking into rather than the heat lamp I was planning as my 2nd runner up from the PP heat panel. My main goal is to provide the best quality I'm able with products that are also safe for the snake. Any additional comments or ideas are welcome.

Raven

I would have to agree with Rob since I too have both. I happen to have many snakes that like to poke around the heat panels and try to pull them down when first installed. The Helix mounting brackets are plastic and break easily. Also, I have also experienced fluctuations in heat over the surface. The Pro-Products distribute more evenly. Another note is that Helix only has three sizes and Pro-Products makes them to the size you need up to some large dimensions. I have one that is 2x3ft for a tortoise enclosure. Of course, a perfect setup would be a Helix controller and a Pro-Products heat panel. You get the best of both worlds