Re: OK, almost sold-few more ?

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Posted by Mr. D on November 22, 2002 at 13:54:35:

In Reply to: OK, almost sold-few more ? posted by Linda G on November 22, 2002 at 12:58:01:

:The cost does not matter to me. I just want what is safest for
:the IG and to be able to keep temps satisfactory.

:Her goes a few more questions:

:1. This would be in an enclosed habitat-what happens if the
: Ig climbs on it? Sharp claws-electrocution?? Should it
: be mounted to the sides or top and is it safe to affix
: to wood?

A:) While they can be attached to the side of an enclosure somewhere not easily accessable to an animal such as under a shelf, etc. I prefer to attach mine to the ceiling of an enclosure. While there IS some bleed through as far as heat through the back of an RHP it is no where near hot enough to cause any problems or concerns. The units come with predrilled holes at the corners so it is easier to run screws right through and attach.

:2. I will go with the 150 watt so with my enclosure size
: will that heat the ambient temp to at least 80 degrees?

A:) As long as the enclosure IS enclosed and not a totally mesh enclosure, yes, a 150w RHP should have no problems creating an 80* heat gradient. The running gag around here is that now more than 2 years later I STILLhave yet to finish the doors on Mel's enclosure but with the RHP and merc vapor bulb during the day and the RHP at night with a sheet draped over the front of the enclosure there's no problem with temps. The humidifier also tends to hit 100% humidity overnight when it's run on high as well which isn't often anymore. The nice thing about using a temp controller with an RHP is that the probe from the controller can be placed literally anywhere in order to create your required gradient. If you want it 80* in the top 1/3 of the enclosure simply place the probe at the appropriate level - out of the way of the ig of course. ;)

:3. What is the biggest danger with use of these RHP?

A:) Good question. And one that's relatively easy for me to answer at least. About the only downside I can see with these units is 1.) the power goes off and the unit simply cannot function. 2.) The appropriate wattage is not purchased and the unit is simply not powerful enough to properly heat the enclosure. Other than that, I really have not noticed anything else. The units contain internal circuitry that should shut down if there are any malfunctions. Maybe if the unit isn't attached securely enough it could fall but other than those I honestly cannot come up with any other problems.

:4. Why are RHP more safe than ceramic heaters? I utilize
: mine to heat the room outside the enclosure.

A:) As long as a CHE isn't within close proximity to an animal then it is pretty much as safe as anything else. The problems come when they used in close proximity are not properly protected from an animal. If they are used simply for ambient heat control in a room then the only concern is that humans come in contact with it. If I'm not mistaken, the surface temps of CHE's run between 3 & 400* which can cause immediate and possibly extensive burning as well as possible fire hazzards should anything come in contact with them. The surface temps of an RHP run more in the 180* range. CHE's alone also do not have any sort of built in safely measures, again, if I'm not mistaken. As I do not use them at all I honestly haven't paid any attention to their evolution. I tripped over an energy use analysis awhile ago showing energy usage of an RHP as well as one concerning CHE's. Of course, I never earmarked the location of the studies but I do remember that the CHE's were wattage hogs in comparison to an RHP.

:Sorry for all of the questions :)

A:)That's what we're all here for. In my particular case, I have to find the most cost effective ways to spend money on the animals here which forces me to take a good look at *everything*. So far, these are simply the best things that I have come up with. Some tricks have been learned from friends, some I've stumbled on on my own. Regardless of how they were learned, if the info gets passed on then people become educated and can make a more informed decision when it comes time for them to do so. Whether "my" way is right for someone else or not is up to them. In many cases it may not but if the info isn't shared then they may NEVER know....;)

"The only stupid question is the one that goes unasked."

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