Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm building two 24"/24"/24" cages for my BRB's, and I want to use radiant panels for the heat source, I just don't know what the most cost effective wattage size I should get. Any suggestions?

The Reptile Basics 28 watt would probably be fine for your 2' cubes. But for the same money you can get the 40 watt. I'm not sure what your winter ambient temps are so the extra wattage may come in handy. Either way you should use a thermostat to control temps. The 40 watts could also be used later if you decide you need bigger enclosures as you BRBs grow. These have been tested on cages up to 2' x 6' x 1' and have been more than adequate.
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BigT
There is a difference between ignorance and stupidity. The ignorant can be taught, stupidity is beyond our control.
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>>I'm building two 24"/24"/24" cages for my BRB's, and I want to use radiant panels for the heat source, I just don't know what the most cost effective wattage size I should get. Any suggestions?

I am not familiar with the husbandry requirements for these boas, but based on their origin I am guessing they need a fairly high temperature in the basking area of the cage. I am curious about your cage size choice, are they arborial?

Any way, it is going to be hard to get a heat gradient from one side of the cage to the other with such a small floorspace and a relatively large heat panel. I think you may need greater than 30 watts if you are going to get the temps you need at floor level depending on ambient room temperature. Some of the higher wattage panels are quite large in a physical sense, but may supply the heat you need.

I am thinking that a call to the heat panel manufacturer would be a good place to start.
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Larry Stroud - Fort Pierce, Florida

Rainbow boas live in the canopy of the rainforest and have evolved into very specific environemental needs. They require high humidity yet not soaking wet. They thrive at 80=95 degree temperatures. Below 70 and especially above 90 can kill them. Though found in hot lands, where they actually live is cooler. I would try the smaller RHP mounted on one side of the cage ceiling and closly monitor the basking area temps with a temp gun. Bill
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...three years ago it was just another snake cult...
The Retic is King.
Anacondas-the other Dark Side.
Afrocks-the dark side of the Dark Side.

Thank you all, the advice was very helpful

NP
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...three years ago it was just another snake cult...
The Retic is King.
Anacondas-the other Dark Side.
Afrocks-the dark side of the Dark Side.

I'm basically copying a cage design that a BRB breeder uses. He's been breeding for a long time and recommends it, plus I trust him.