Maya Ellison
There are various ways to heat an animal plastics cage. The most common methods include using a radiant heat panel (RHP), a flexwatt, or a heat lamp. RHPs are installed on the top of the cage and use infrared heat to warm objects rather than the air, mimicking natural sunlight. They are a popular choice for reptile cages as they provide therapeutic benefits for sick and injured animals. RHPs are also safer than Ceramic Heat Emitters (CHEs) as they do not get hot enough to cause burns. Flexwatts are another option that can be used in conjunction with a radiant heat panel for colder climates. Heat lamps can also be used, but it is important to ensure that the wattage is not too high to avoid overheating the cage. The type of heating method chosen will depend on the temperature of the room the cage is in, the species of animal, and personal preference.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Heating Options | Radiant Heat Panel (RHP), UTH Heat Tape, Flexwatt, Heat Pad, Ceramic Fixtures, Basking Bulbs, Fluorescent Lamps, Substrate Heater |
| Heat Panel Installation | Requires a thermostat to regulate temperatures, installed inside the cage using screws and a power cord |
| Heat Panel Safety | RHPs maintain safe temperatures and do not get hot enough to burn, unlike Ceramic Heat Emitters (CHE) |
| Heat Panel Material | Noryl plastic, water-resistant, easily cleaned and sterilized |
| Heat Lamp Options | Zoo Med T5 HO fixtures, LED lights, Arcadia bulb |
| Cage Ventilation | Venting on side screens to regulate temperature and humidity |
| Cage Size | T10, T70, T12 (48 x 24 x 24 inches), 48x24x15 inches |
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Radiant heat panels
There are a variety of RHPs available on the market, including Pro Heat, Reptile Basics, and Wilbanks Advanced Radiant Heat Panels. Pro Heat RHPs are made from non-combustible materials and can be mounted on any surface. They are also safe to the touch and are treated with Bioshield anti-microbial treatment to prevent bacteria, mould, and fungus from developing. Reptile Basics RHPs are also safe and have a seamless lower section that makes them water-resistant. Wilbanks Advanced Radiant Heat Panels are manufactured in Italy and are pending UL certification for safety and sustainability.
When choosing an RHP, it is important to consider the size of your cage and the ambient temperature of the room. Pro Heat offers over 200 different RHPs to match your specific needs. Wilbanks also offers a calculator to help you determine the cubic feet of your enclosure and choose the right size of the radiant heat panel.
Overall, RHPs are a safe and effective way to heat animal plastic cages, offering a range of benefits such as improved physiological health, higher humidity levels, and lower costs compared to other heating methods.
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UTH heat tape
The benefit of UTH heat tape is that it provides "belly heat" for the animals, which is considered important for some species, such as snakes. The tape is placed under the tank, and the low wattage density of the tape ensures that the temperature remains safe for reptiles, usually below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat tape can be used without a thermostat due to its low wattage, but it can also be connected to one if precise temperature control is needed.
When deciding between UTH heat tape and other heating methods, the ambient temperature of the room should be considered. If the room is consistently maintained at a warm temperature, such as 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit, then UTH heat tape may be sufficient to provide belly heat for the animal. However, if the room temperature fluctuates, a radiant heat panel might be necessary to maintain the desired temperatures within the enclosure.
For example, in a room that is consistently 70-74 degrees Fahrenheit, a user reported that they only needed to use Flexwatt heat tape (a type of UTH heat tape) to maintain the appropriate temperatures for their snake enclosure. They also had a radiant heat panel as a backup for colder winter days, but it was usually not needed. On the other hand, users in colder climates or those who keep their snake rooms cooler may require both a radiant heat panel and a heat pad/UTH heat tape to ensure adequate temperatures.
In conclusion, UTH heat tape is a safe and effective way to provide belly heat for reptiles in enclosures, especially when combined with other heating methods like radiant heat panels or heat bulbs. The specific needs of the animal, the ambient temperature of the room, and the insulation properties of the enclosure material should all be considered when deciding on the best heating setup.
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Basking bulbs
The wattage of basking bulbs depends on the temperature of the room where the animal plastics cage is kept. For example, 65-watt basking bulbs were found to be too high for a T70 Animal Plastics cage in a reptile room that is maintained at 80+ degrees Fahrenheit. Instead, 43-watt bulbs were found to be more suitable, heating the basking area to around 96-98 degrees Fahrenheit and the cages to the high 80s or low 90s.
For a T8 PVC Animal Plastics cage, a flexwatt heat tape or a radiant heat panel can be used. A flexwatt heat tape can be sufficient for maintaining the temperature of the cage, but a radiant heat panel can be used as a supplement or alternative. For example, a user reported using a Pro Products radiant heat panel for their T8 PVC Animal Plastics cage, which they kept in a room that was maintained at 70-74 degrees Fahrenheit.
For a T10 Animal Plastics cage, a radiant heat panel can be used, with some users recommending vendors such as ProHeat and Reptile Basics. The radiant heat panel can be installed on one end of the enclosure, creating a temperature gradient from 89-90 degrees Fahrenheit (max surface temperature) to 77-80 degrees Fahrenheit (ambient cool).
For a T3 Animal Plastics cage, a flexwatt heat tape or a UTH (under-tank heater) can be used. A thermostat is recommended to regulate the temperature and prevent overheating.
In addition to basking bulbs, other lighting options such as fluorescent lights, LED lights, and ceramic fixtures can be used to provide regular daytime lighting and create basking areas.
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Heat lamps
When using a heat lamp, it is important to consider the wattage and the height of the cage. For example, a 40-watt panel may be sufficient for a small cage, while an 80-watt panel may be needed for a larger cage. The height of the cage is also a factor, as heat lamps may not be suitable for very tall enclosures. In this case, a radiant heat panel or a heat mat may be a better option.
It is also important to monitor the temperature within the cage to ensure that it is comfortable for the animal. Thermometers can be used to check the temperature in different areas of the cage, and adjustments can be made by moving lights or decorations or by turning the heat up or down. Rheostats and thermostats can also be used to regulate and fine-tune the amount of heat within the cage.
In addition to heat lamps, other heating options for animal plastics cages include radiant heat panels, heat mats, and incandescent lights. It is important to consider the specific needs of the animal and the temperature of the room when deciding on a heating method. For example, some animals may require belly heat, which can be provided by a heat pad or UTH heat tape.
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Ceramic fixtures
When heating an animal plastics cage, it is important to consider the specific needs of the reptile inside. The type of lighting and its intensity depend on the species of reptile in the enclosure. For example, some reptiles require UVB, which would need to be purchased separately and installed independently.
One option for ceramic fixtures is the Arcadia Pro Ceramic Lamp Holder & Bracket. This can be installed inside the enclosure. It is important to always use a high-quality thermostat to monitor and regulate temperatures. Additionally, it is recommended to check the enclosure and all heating and light sources weekly to ensure they are in good condition.
Another option similar to ceramic fixtures is Radiant Heat Panels (RHPs). These emit infrared heat, which is healthier for reptiles as it penetrates into muscle tissue. RHPs are safer than ceramic heat emitters (CHEs) as they do not get extremely hot on the surface and are therefore less likely to burn your reptile. RHPs are installed on the inside of the enclosure, attached to the top, similar to how the sun emits heat. They do need time to warm up the ambient temperature, so it is important to ensure your habitat is stable before placing your reptile inside.
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Frequently asked questions
Radiant heat panels, UTH heat tape, and heat pads are all possible ways to heat an animal plastics cage.
Pro Products, ProHeat, Reptile Basics, and VE Radiant Heat Panel are some vendors that offer radiant heat panels.
It is recommended to use a thermostat to maintain ideal temperatures for animals. The surface temperature of the radiant heat panel should also be considered to prevent burns.
LED lights, basking bulbs, and fluorescent lights are some ways to light an animal plastics cage.
