Heat Lamps or UTHs - Page 2

USMCgunner11 · 04-23-12, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kingsnakechris

How much do the panels cost? And what sizes do they come in?

They come in a wide variety of sizes and can get very large for bigger enclosures. Two of the best manufacturers are Reptile Basics and Pro Products IMO. I have the Reptile Basics one and paid $80 something for mine. They both have a 10 year warranty

KORBIN5895 · 04-23-12, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fredricks

Do you think UTHs are better on electricity or worse? I've been thinking of switching to a rack system instead of terrariums wih heat lamps

Well a 100watt bulb cost more to run than a piece of 23 watt flexwatt.

Kingsnakechris · 04-23-12, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USMCgunner11

They come in a wide variety of sizes and can get very large for bigger enclosures. Two of the best manufacturers are Reptile Basics and Pro Products IMO. I have the Reptile Basics one and paid $80 something for mine. They both have a 10 year warranty

I wonder how well they would heat the enclosure I'm planning on building. If possible, I'd like to stay away from heat lamps. But $80 isn't to bad considering the warranty is good for 10 years,...

USMCgunner11 · 04-23-12, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kingsnakechris

I wonder how well they would heat the enclosure I'm planning on building. If possible, I'd like to stay away from heat lamps. But $80 isn't to bad considering the warranty is good for 10 years,...

They claim to have a life up to 25 years but I've heard about people using them for longer. If you're planning on building a wooden enclosure then they would work great.

Kingsnakechris · 04-23-12, 11:48 AM

Would they be able to heat through the substrate I'm going to be using? (Aspen is my preferred substrate)

Fredricks · 04-23-12, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KORBIN5895

Well a 100watt bulb cost more to run than a piece of 23 watt flexwatt.

What's better heat tape or a heat cable?

Terranaut · 04-23-12, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kingsnakechris

Would they be able to heat through the substrate I'm going to be using? (Aspen is my preferred substrate)

These panels mount up top and heat more like the sun. In the wild you seldom find places where the ground is warmer than the air. Uth is kinda unnatural.

Kingsnakechris · 04-23-12, 12:01 PM

I think if your heating multiple enclosures then heat cable would be the better option, but for single enclosures I'd go with the tape.

Kingsnakechris · 04-23-12, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terranaut

These panels mount up top and heat more like the sun. In the wild you seldom find places where the ground is warmer than the air. Uth is kinda unnatural.

Thank you! I was thinking of something totally different. This would be perfect for what I'm building.

USMCgunner11 · 04-23-12, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kingsnakechris

Would they be able to heat through the substrate I'm going to be using? (Aspen is my preferred substrate)

Those types of heaters get mounted to the ceiling of the enclosure and work in the same manner as a CHE. The difference is that it covers a larger area and lasts longer than CHEs. It provides heat in a similar manner as the sun in that it doesn't just heat the air. So whatever is directly in the basking area should be fairly warm to the touch. Like your car when it's been sitting in direct sunlight.

Kingsnakechris · 04-23-12, 12:31 PM

Thanks! That's what I'm going to use for heating my new enclosure.

USMCgunner11 · 04-23-12, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kingsnakechris

Thanks! That's what I'm going to use for heating my new enclosure.

One more thing, they work best with a pulse proportional thermostat. Those can get kinda pricey but you will def need a thermostat for these.