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Have a 36x24x18 cage I will use to house my borneoxblack python. Need to know how to heat, ceramic heater or rhp? I could have a space recessed for heat tape, but the room temp will be around 68 in winter so that probably will not work.

I'd got with a radiant heat panel for a couple reasons. #1, they last for a LONG time; the pro-products panels have a 10 year warranty, plus they can last up to 30 years or more. #2, ceramic heaters tend to dry things out I've noticed, while the radiant heat panels provide a gentler type of heat which is more condusive to a higher humidity situation. #3, a ceramic heater would need to be placed outside the cage, or have a special basket constructed inside to protect the snake since the element gets so incredibly hot. Heat panels can be screwed or glued right to the roof of the cage very safely, no danger to your snake at all. For that size cage, I think something around 12" by 18", hooked up to a thermostate or dimmer would be perfect for you blood. Hope this helps,

-Christian-

>>Have a 36x24x18 cage I will use to house my borneoxblack python. Need to know how to heat, ceramic heater or rhp? I could have a space recessed for heat tape, but the room temp will be around 68 in winter so that probably will not work.
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I use a uth raised on a sheet of glass inside the cage and a ceramic heat emitter on top.To much work keeping the humidity up when I run the ceramic.I experiencing with a sheet of heat tape 3'x12" underneath my cage thats 4'x2'x18".I think it will work for spring and summer weather, but in the winter I dont know.I will eventually buy some radient heat panels, but they cost so much.You can definatly tell when I turn off the ceramic heat my humdity goes from 50 or 55% to 75-80%, so they do dry out the humidity.If your only going to heat one cage, go with a radient heat panel,everyone loves. I'll be needing to get 4 and eventually 8, so thats mucho dinero, and fishing season is starting to come, so I have to set my priorities. Later, Ethan

I keep a space heater with ato shut off near my cages to keep the air around them warm and in my larget melamie cage I have a radiant heat panel with a monitor that controls the amount of wattage used so its running full when its cold and low or off when it starts to get hot. Its also nice if it gets real chilly in the winter you can take it off the top and tape it on the back wall so the snake can get next to it to heat itself... they are expensive tho
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"It's my snake, I trained it, so I'm going to eat it!" - Mad Max, The Road Warrior

Thanks for all the info. I will be using a RHP from Bean farm. Do these regulate well with a normal thermostat? Will 90* basking area possible? I ask as I have never used one.

Ive never used the ones you posted.. it depends on the wattage and size as to how hot its going to get as well as the temp outside the cage.. I wouldnt rely on a heat panel for too much heat tho
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"It's my snake, I trained it, so I'm going to eat it!" - Mad Max, The Road Warrior

...in my opinion/experience humidity can be kept at optimum levels (50-60%) by simply filling a wash basin half full with water and placing in the warm end. Ceramics are fine. I use ceramics for all my melamine enclosures.
They are mounted at the top inside the cage and protected by a wire cage.
(The basin is missing in the image).