I have four tortoises (Sulcata, redfoot, leopard and Indian star). They each have their own Turtle shelf. I am going to change out their heat and UV sources soon. I have been looking at Radiant Heat Panels and the compact Fluorescent bulbs. I would like to know if people have been using them and how well they are working. Two shelves are 4x8 feet and 2 are 4x4 feet. Currently, I am using ZooMed fluorescents and Heat emitters. The heat emitters have to go because the shelves are stacked and they are making the shelf on top too hot. Even a low wattage emitter. I appreciate any help on this matter.
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New Heating and Lighting
evolady73
Apr 12, 2011 08:40 AM
Replies (1)
markg
Apr 12, 2011 02:29 PM
RHPs heat with roughly the same wavelength of energy as your ceramics do, so the heating effect to the animals is about the same. RHPs have a larger surface area so will heat up a wider area below, and they are more efficient in that you are not heating the shelf above very much at all (some heat will go up, but not like with a CHE).
From a wattage point of view, I bet you will be using less power with RHPs overall. Although the initial expense is high, they last a long time. I have one over 10 yrs old still going.
One difference with RHPs and CHEs, IMO: I would make sure to have no less than 8 inches between the RHP surface and the bottom of the cage. If an RHP is too close, the energy may start to reflect back up. CHEs can do that too, but because the surface area of the CHE is so much smaller, the effect is reduced considerably. Just keep that in mind.
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Mark
