Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all,

Forgive my ignorance as I have had no experience with these, but exactly how do radiant heat panels work? Are they similar to the light bulb? Is there a risk of thermal burns like with light bulbs? Any websites that provide specific information on caging sizes, wattages, etc.?

I appreciate your help.

Chris

P.S. I noticed Big Apple Herp has some, and I am wondering if anyone has any experience with them and are they a reliable product?

Thanks again

Check out Pro Products and also T-Rex has a CHE that you can touch. I do not know the engineering behind it but I witnessed it and it is amazing. Would be good for not only herps and thermal burns but also reduce the possibility of fires.
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Peter Kriz

Sua Sponte

>> ...how do radiant heat panels work? Are they similar to the light bulb?

RHP's are pretty simply, at least conceptually. They are little more than a radiant heat source, a reflective insulation, and an air-space. But getting those three things to work in a safe, efficient yet not-too-bulky package is where the tricks come in.

>>Is there a risk of thermal burns like with light bulbs?

Basically no, but there is always the risk of overheating. On a related note, they are probably not the best heat sources for species that need basking hot spots in excess of 100*.

>>Any websites that provide specific information on caging sizes, wattages, etc.?

Pro Products is the only company I have dealt with one these. They offer great advice.

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Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

2.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

4.3 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

Hi,

I have a few of the Big Apple Desert Rays Heat Panels in some small plastic enclosures. So far, three years and no problems with them. They run hot but never seem hot enough to burn on contact. Although, if I held my hand on it long enough it does get quite uncomfortable.

I do not use a thermostat with mine as the heat seems to be perfect for my cages but I know that most people recommend using a thermostat with these panels.

I know there are panels that are thick with a lot of insulation but I find the Desert Rays kind of convenient in that my ceiling is the insulator and mounting it is much easier than a bulky panel. The pro products panel while very good is also very expensive. For my needs the much less expensive Desert Rays work out fine.

Hopefully, this was helpful to you.

Winston

Hey Winston.

Tell me more about the Desert Rays.

For example, how big of a cage do you use them in? How far above the basking area are they? What basking temps do you get? And finally, what is the temperature of the room your cages are in?

Thanks!

Bill

You guys have given quite a bit of information to help me get started. Thanks for your help!

Best Wishes,

Chris

>>Hello all,
>>
>> Forgive my ignorance as I have had no experience with these, but exactly how do radiant heat panels work? Are they similar to the light bulb? Is there a risk of thermal burns like with light bulbs? Any websites that provide specific information on caging sizes, wattages, etc.?
>>
>>I appreciate your help.
>>
>>Chris
>>
>>P.S. I noticed Big Apple Herp has some, and I am wondering if anyone has any experience with them and are they a reliable product?
>>
>>Thanks again