Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just got my 47"x23"x12" repti rack cage with a 65w heat panel for my dumerils boa.

I haven't set it up yet cause I'm lost on temp. control. I know a thermostat is best. But my concern is, my dumerils does move from one side to the other. With the thermostat probe under the heat panel on the floor, I'm sure she will either cover it with bedding or even cover the probe with her body.

Would I be better off using a something like a rheostat since my reptile room is temp. controlled itself and the temp. is pretty stable?

Thanks for any help/info.
Steve

You still need a thermostat at least for high temp safety cuttoff. Your easiest method is this:

1. Get a dimmer and plug the radiant heat panel into it.
2. Plug the dimmer into an ON/OFF thermostat.
3. Place the ON/OFF t-stat probe in the cage to monitor air temp in the center of the cage about 4-5 inches up from the floor.

Now your ON/OFF controller will protect against an accidental overheat, while your dimmer can fine-tune your RHP setting to your room temps.

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Mark