Which heat should I get for my Boaphile?

[Tigergenesis]

I plan to buy a single boaphile to house my Ball Python. The boaphile will sit on a shelf (open back) that is positioned diagonally between 2 outside walls. The room temp is 72 degrees. I realize the outside walls will cause problems keeping heat up so I'm trying to decide on the right heat option to purchase.

Now that there's the under the tank heat and the in tank heat, which method would be my best bet?

[El_Pirata]

I ordered the double heat in my boaphile. Hopefully I'll have mine in a week or so and I'll let you know how much I like it.

[Tigergenesis]

Thanks! I'd appreciate it.

Did you get the double in the cage heat or the double under the cage heat?

[bcijoe]

maybe i'm missing something...

what is under the tank heat and in the tank heat?

we are talking about boaphile plastic cages, right?

[Tigergenesis]

Yep - boaphiles. It seems they've got more options now. If you go to the cages page and scroll down to the options you'll see the changes - more heat options and now they charge for black hinges.

[bcijoe]

Things change huh!

Thanks for pointing this out...

I don't know why one would use under cage heat when you can have in cage heat other than the price.
It's not like you don't use substrate and actually see the extra plastic sheet.
I would like to see a pic of this, since I don't think I saw one.

I'm a little lost on this one... I would have to hear comments from others that use this... in a similar setting as mine..

I currently have several stacks of 421D's stacked 6 cages high. I don't know what would be 'better' or more efficient for my setup.

interested in finding out!

thanks guys..

Just FYI - i've done well with the cages I have with heat installed inside. For some species, I order heat and a half for a little extra heat/humidity, and for the bottom cages on the cold floor I use double heat.
take care!

[The_Boaphile]

The installed heat or under heat are just as effective as each other. The under heat is less expensive because it is less labor. The installed inside heat is in there forever. The under heat is taped on and can be moved if needed or a large sheet of Flexwatt can be used. There are plusses for each of them. The Radiant heat is the best of all options especially if you are putting the cage in the difficult to heat position between two outside walls.

Good luck!

Jeff

[Tigergenesis]

Jeff, thanks for the reply.  Some more questions if you don't mind:

Where exactly does the radiant heat panel go - on top?

How can a thermostat be used with it?
What size would you recommend for the 322d?

How much does it stick down below the top lip of the cage (I'm concerned because I was hoping for a black cage and am wondering how noticable the white would be)?

Can these be installed if getting the flourescent and/or incandescent fixtures?

Thanks!

[The_Boaphile]

Our radiant heat panels are installed on the inside of the cage and screwed to the top. Your thermostat probe should be off the bottom of the cage near the panel. You will have to calibrate your temperatures inside the cage based on the location and reading you get with your thermostat. I would recommend the 1611 for nearly every cage we build. A larger unit would be better for two 422 cages that are connected for instance. It hangs down about 2 3/8". When we install them in the cage the shroud going around the panel is black. The bottom or heating surface is still white and there isn't anything we can do about that one but the skirt will be black and you know what I always say. Black IS beautiful and my favorite color too! You can get this installed when using either of the light fixture options.

Have fun

Thanks!

Jeff

[Tigergenesis]

Once again, thanks Jeff!

Another q: would it be overkill to also add the $15 under tank heat so that my guy also gets belly-heat?

[The_Boaphile]

No. It would give you an additional option for heat if you should ever want to do that. Extra options are always a plus. Of course you definitely still must use a thermostat to control your temps.

Have fun!

Jeff

[Tigergenesis]

Thank you again.  As I am unfamiliar with radiant heat and am concerned about my cool temps (due to outside walls, etc) and was worried the heat would not reach the bottom as well if I added a shelf.

So I'm assuming there is no danger to the snake coming in contact w/ the panel?

Also, does the incandescent fixture only come in white?  How might you suggest covering/protecting my snake from coming in contact with the bulb? I like having a red light for night time viewing.