Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi Guys!

I've used heating panels before, always hooked up with pulse proportional thermostats, and had great results... But, I've always had an area outside the terrarium's roof that was quite hot, and always thought it would be more efficient to keep as much heat as possible inside the terrarium.

I have made a sandwich of wool felt with aluminum foil in the middle to place between the heating panel and the terrarium's bilaminated plywood ceiling. Is there anything that would be superior to this as far as keeping almost all the heater's output initially inside the terrarium, while having a thin profile?

I thought about one or two inch diameter quarter inch thick glass discs affixed underneath the panel before it is screwed into the ceiling, and even some purposed made thermal blanket of sorts. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Thank you!

Dan

How hot does the top of the panel get?

In my experience, what you describe - some heat escaping out the top of the panel - is only a problem when the room is very cool and you want the temp in the cage to be warmer. During warmer weather, it is less of an issue. And IMO, it is not really that much of an issue. Too much ventilation probably affects the cage temps more.

Simply adding something to the top of the cage might help. Like a blanket, or a piece of plywood, or foam sheet. Then, reduce any cage ventilation - cover up large vents.

This way in summer, you can remove the covers.

Or else lower the panel inside the cage. Like, put a piece of 3/4 inch plywood between the top of the panel and cage ceiling.

Honestly, reducing ventilation is the 1st thing to do, then see how much that helps in keeping the inside warmer. I do not think temp issues are greatly affected by some heat coming out the panel top.

Hey Mark, thanks for the input!

You're correct; I noticed the hot top of the terrarium in the winter when the room was a bit cool. It wasn't a real concern, as it wasn't too hot, but I wanted to prevent it from happening on my newest terrarium.

I'm using Vivexotic Viva aluminum ventilation rails, which have built in ventilation which is not seen by looking at the terrarium. It allows for a very elegant terrarium. They're made by Hagen, and unfortunately not available outside England. Google it and you'll see what I mean. A reptile afficionado from the U.K. is sending them to me here in Italy.

I may just place a silicone rubber hot pot pad between the reptile radiant panel and the top of the terrarium. It should insulate really well.

Best wishes, and thanks again!

Dan