Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This is the back of the hoods. As you can see they are completely open from the back allowing all excess heat to vent.

Here's a view of the inside. I still hadn't hooked up the misting system so the tube looks like it's coming from the thermostat. I have an Acu-right dig temp gauge with a remote wire to the basking spot to give me temps from both sides. It also has a humidity reading. $20 from Lowe's in the garden section. Very handy. The large item in the floor is the soak tub and to the bottom right of the pic is the entrance to the underground hide which he won't come out of unless I get him out. There's a door on the side. The floor is covered with linoleum and sealed around all edges with silicone. I've started using newspaper and can see it's advantages. Way less messy. This was a 6 month project that finally came to a close. If he only stays in the hide I may not build the 3rd level.

N/P

Your pictures verified what I was visualizing in my head.
Something on the order of what the vision cages use.
I can see this being used for incandescent lights. flourescent strip lights.
And of course, the CHE.
However...the wizard gives me the willies!
I'd have to use something else.
Ya know, the wizard thing is a great idea rather than rummaging around behind cages to see if the pilot light is lit!
Now I'll have to start reading my wife's catalogs to see what kind of electric sculptures!Hmm fiber optic halloween stuff.
Christmas trees...etc!
You've opened up a whole new world!
Thanks for sharing the pics.
What did you use to line the cage with?
Bob

Linoleum remnants from Home Depot. This came pre-packaged as a 6'X3' piece. I used the top half of the cage and the wood openings for the hide and tub to hold it down, then sealed it. Your "willies" comment made me laugh. I recently moved and my friends from church called it my false idol.

DZ

Hey, thanks for the pictures. That's pretty much how I pictured it but it's always nice to see the actual product. I probably won't try it for my application, though, as it will be for plastic cages and I think RHP's are just a safer choice.

BTW, my comments in the previous thread did not have to do with venting of excess heat. Instead I was referring to how CHE's are at a cracking/fire risk when they are installed in anything other than a vertical application. This does not have to do with heat venting per se, but instead has to do with distribution of heat within the element itself.

But those comments may only apply to Pearlco CHE's as they're the only product I have used.

>>This is the back of the hoods. As you can see they are completely open from the back allowing all excess heat to vent.
>>
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1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

I like the way you set those up. I dont think you will have any probs with that.
Randy's Reptiles

erm... is there a special wood or treatment that should be done to the wood before installing lights like that? i might not know what im talking about but a 150w bulb just doesnt sound like such a good idea right next to wood. also, how do you insert a plexiglass window into a piece of wood? thanks

The main focus of the bulb shoots through the hood through the 1/2" construction wire. Only the edges of the lamp are touching or near the wood. Yes it gets warm but the flash point of the wood is much higher than the lamp gets. I would be very watchful, maybe even do a test, if I upped the wattage but for now no. However I will not sit here and say it is completely safe just for liability purposes. I will continue to use it myself.

To mount plexiglass, simply lay your glass on the wood you wish to install it on. Trace the out line of the glass on the wood. Cut out the portion you wish to be used for viewing. You can either drill holes and screw it on or you can route out a 1/4" groove and use 100% silicone to seal it on (I recommend this method, it looks better). I know it's a sealer but it holds very well. If you drill, make sure you leave enough space so the screws don't break away from the edge.

DZ