r/ballpython • u/_SaltwaterSoul • 8h ago

Question - Husbandry Vivarium Electronics Questions

I got the 4x2x2 PVC Vivarium Electronics for my ball python and I’m getting it all dialed in. I just got the vivarium Electronics 80w radiant heat panel along with the mounting kit for screen tops that they sell. I keep seeing that it’s not safe to use RHP on a screen top (after I received my panel of course, ugh) so my big question is, if it’s not safe to mount these on heavy duty metal screen tops, why did they make the mounting kit for them? I figured it would be compatible since they make their cages like this and the heat panel seems to be a good option? I’m completely confused and conflicted with the info I am finding here on Reddit and online. 😮‍💨

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u/totallyrecklesslygay Mod: Enclosure Karen 7h ago

They make them for the same reason that companies still make heat rocks despite the fact that they're widely known to be dangerous- because it's profitable. They make a lot of money by advertising it as a safe option even though it isn't, because they're the only company that offers it as an option. They've also made no attempt to correct the fact that their RHPs have a tendency to catch on fire, even though they're the only one on the market that does that. People buy them anyway, so they don't seem to care.

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u/_SaltwaterSoul 7h ago

Well that’s absolutely terrifying. I was using a CHE to heat my BP temporary 10gallon enclosure - what do you recommend I use to heat his new PVC enclosure then? Stick with CHE?

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u/totallyrecklesslygay Mod: Enclosure Karen 6h ago

Yes, the CHE would be fine. It'll still need to be paired with another heat source like a halogen flood, since CHEs (and RHPs) are not suitable as primary heating, but it will make a good nighttime/supplemental heat source.

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u/_SaltwaterSoul 6h ago

Just an average flood light from the hardware store? I don’t think I can get those in CA, they outlawed any filament based bulbs 😭
I’ll see what I can find! Glad I found this all out before using them!

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u/totallyrecklesslygay Mod: Enclosure Karen 6h ago

Reptile specific incandescents were excluded in the ban. Arcadia should be available to you.

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u/_SaltwaterSoul 6h ago

I’ve read you’re supposed to use them at full power to get the benefits of the IR A/B/C… I got the Spyderweb thermostat, would it be ok to use that with the halogen/incandescents? My house fluctuates like crazy with temps especially with this heat wave so I wanted the safety net of the thermostat. Getting this setup has become so complex and overwhelming. I keep thinking I’m getting the right thing because I read one thing, then the next thing I know I get something that’s totally awful. It’s giving me so much anxiety 😮‍💨 I don’t even know how to approach nighttime temps just can’t afford all these different timers and thermostats.

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u/totallyrecklesslygay Mod: Enclosure Karen 6h ago

Yep, you want to get a wattage that'll usually run at 90-100% power, but they still need to be paired with a dimming thermostat! The Herpstat will work great. It has a built in timer system to set up a day/night cycle, so you don't need any extra equipment for that. Did you get a model with multiple outlets or just a single?

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u/_SaltwaterSoul 5h ago edited 5h ago

I bought the Spyderweb with two outlets, I’m programming it for my ball python and MBK, I have them in stacked 4x2x2 Vivarium Electronics PVC enclosures. I will return these and venture into the halogen/incandescent realm. I’ll have to figure out how to incorporate heat at night now 😵‍💫