I asked this ? in the burm forum but no one seemed to want to answer. Those of you that use, how is it?
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Justin
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Ok, anyone use the ceramic heat emiters?
Justin Stricklin
Nov 26, 2004 08:34 PM
Replies (1)
HFR
Nov 27, 2004 09:07 AM
I use them in a couple applications and I'm happy with the results.
I use Zoo Med's and have never had a problem. But I've just recently heard some bad reports about another manufacturer's emitters that are made of a lower wattage - hearing they just didn't work at all, right out of the box.
There's probably four really important things to keep in mind when using them:
* They have to be used in conjunction with a ceramic fixture or ceramic fixtured dome. They'll definitely meltdown or break a plastic fixture or a cheaper dome meant only for illumination. Check the wattage rating of either you intend to use and compare it with the wattage of the emitter.
* I personally wouldn't use them unless on a controlled circuit (rheostat, thermostat, etc.)
* Make sure they're protected from species that like to climb or perch. I use them unprotected in columbian boa caging without a problem. But I wouldn't use them in a chondro or ATB caging without some type of shielding from the animal.
* Make sure they're secure on or in the cage. I'm sure the elements are alot stronger and better protected than in a heat bulb, and if one was to get knocked off say - the top of a large screened tank, it would more than likely continue heating.
I'd only use them in larger cages (4'+). I like them because they last a hell of alot longer than heat bulbs, don't interfere with the photoperiod, and don't cast that red or blacklight glare on the cage interior.
I noticed you mentioned you asked this in the burm forum as well. For my burms and retics I generally use sub-surface heating. But I do have a large burm cage that I use an infrared panel on and I like that as well. I haven't tried the emitters on larger caging because I don't think it would create a large enough basking site for those larger adult animals in 6-8' caging. Other's may have tried it with these species, or juveniles of these species in smaller caging and had good results?
Good luck and hope this helped a bit.
Joe Yakelis
HellFire Reptiles
