Ethan Clarke
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a widely used plastic with a range of applications due to its variable crystallinity, thermal stability, and specific melting and glass transition temperatures. Its versatility allows for the creation of products with varying structural compositions, from robust to flexible. In the context of animal care, specifically for snakes, the discussion revolves around maintaining optimal temperatures for their habitats. This involves the use of heating equipment such as radiant heat panels (RHPs) and under-tank heaters (UTHs) to create the necessary temperature gradients. Flexwatt, a product mentioned in the sources, is a form of heat tape used to provide belly heat for snakes. The temperature settings for Flexwatt and RHPs depend on the specific requirements of the snake species and the ambient temperature of the room.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature range of PET films | Varying temperatures |
| Melting point of PET | 250°C to 260°C |
| Temperature of the feed zone | 260 °C |
| Temperature of the plasticizing to the discharge zones | 275 °C |
| Injection moulding temperature | 295 °C |
| Temperature of the room with the snake enclosure | 70-74°F |
| Temperature set for the RHP | 80°F |
| Flex watt temperature | 90°F |
| Temperature of the hot side hide | 95-97°F |
| Temperature inside the hide | High 80s°F |
| Temperature of the snake | 88-89°F |
| Temperature of the radiant heat panel | 86°F |
| Temperature of the hot side | 89-90°F |
| Ambient cool temperature | 77-80°F |
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What You'll Learn
Heating a snake tank with a radiant heat panel
When installing an RHP, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, RHPs are installed at the top of the cage using the provided screws or other appropriate hardware. The thermostat probe should be placed under the panel to regulate basking temperatures. Some RHPs feature a self-resetting thermal fuse, which will automatically shut down if the internal temperature exceeds safe levels. This safety feature is not found in other types of heating devices such as heat tape.
The wattage of the RHP you choose will depend on the size of your snake's enclosure and the room temperature. For example, a 40-watt panel is generally suitable for cages less than 2'x4', while a larger or cooler enclosure may require an 80-watt panel. It is recommended to use a proportional thermostat with your RHP to maintain the ideal temperatures for your snake.
Some snake owners have reported success with specific brands of RHPs. Vivarium Electronics RHPs with VE proportional thermostats are highly regarded for their ease of use and safety. ProHeat panels have also received positive reviews, while the reliability of VE/Reptile Basics panels has been questioned by some users.
When using an RHP, it is important to note that you may not need additional heat sources such as under-tank heaters or belly heat. The RHP should provide sufficient heat for your snake's enclosure. By following these guidelines and instructions, you can effectively heat your snake tank with a radiant heat panel, creating a safe and comfortable environment for your pet.
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Flexwatt Heat Tape not providing enough heat
If your Flexwatt Heat Tape is not providing enough heat, there are several potential reasons and solutions you can try.
First, check the connections. If the heat tape is not heating up at all, the metal clips that connect the heat tape to the power source may not be making proper contact. Try squeezing the metal clips harder, or removing the plastic covers and soldering the wires directly to the tape. You can also try "jiggling" the wires by gently pulling them away from each other, which may fix a bad or loose connection.
If your heat tape is heating up but not providing enough heat, it may be a result of the design of your setup. The Flexwatt Heat Tape may not be powerful enough to heat the volume of your incubator, especially if your house's ambient temperature is relatively low. In this case, you could try increasing the insulation value of your incubator, increasing the ambient temperature of the room or house, or improving the heating element. For example, you could replace the Flexwatt with a ceramic heat emitter or a radiant heat panel, which has more thermal mass and may be better suited to your setup.
Additionally, the placement of your heat tape or probe thermometer may impact its effectiveness. Ensure that the probe thermometer is taped to the middle of the heat tape, lengthwise, without touching any exposed wiring or surfaces. If using a Radiant Heat Panel (RHP), place a hide directly under it, which will get "baked" beyond your ambient temperature.
Finally, it is important to note that some reptiles, such as snakes, may not require belly heat. They rely on the heat of the air, so a RHP in a PVC cage may provide enough heat without the need for additional sources like Flexwatt.
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T8 PVC Cage (Animal Plastics) heating
Heating for a T8 PVC cage depends on the temperature you keep the room at year-round. If you keep the room at a steady 78-80°F, all you need is a UTH for belly heat. However, if you let the room fluctuate, a radiant heat panel (RHP) might be needed to keep temperatures up.
One user with a T8 PVC cage in Central Florida, where the room temperature is kept at 70°F, uses a radiant heat panel from Pro Products. The company will recommend a size based on cage size, cage material, number of cage vents/where vents are located, animal type, ambient/low temperatures of the room, and whether the cage is in a room with a concrete floor or a basement. Another user with a T8 PVC cage in the Northeast US, where the room temperature is kept at 72-74°F, also uses a radiant heat panel from Pro Products.
Another user with a T8 PVC cage uses a T8 + Flexwatt (hot side) and Radiant Panel for the ambient temperature, both controlled by the Herpstat. They note that due to the amount of time it takes for the heat to transfer from the Flexwatt to the inside of the plastic, the temperature will drop to about 87.5 and then get up to 96/97. They recommend using a Radiant Heat Panel (RHP) instead of the Flexwatt, as it will provide enough heat on its own. Another user seconds this, noting that their RHP is set at 90-92 and provides enough heat to the cooler side.
Another user with a T8 PVC cage uses a CHE, but notes that it is the least ideal option for a T8. They are considering upgrading to a radiant heat panel from ProHeat or Reptile Basics.
Some users recommend getting the Herpstat 2 if you can afford it, as it will allow you to control two heat sources independently and use dimming proportional heat on the RHP. It will also future-proof your setup if you need to add a second heat source.
Another user with a T8 PVC cage uses a 40-watt panel, which is sufficient for their room temperatures. They note that a standard cheap thermostat is not appropriate for this setup, and recommend a high-quality dimming thermostat like the Herpstat.
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RHP and ambient temperature
RHP, or Radiant Heat Panels, are a popular choice for maintaining ambient temperature in enclosures for snakes and other reptiles. RHPs are considered a safe and effective way to provide a basking spot for snakes, offering a good balance between heat and humidity.
When using an RHP, it is important to consider the ambient temperature of the room where the enclosure is located. If the room temperature remains consistently warm, above 80 degrees, the RHP can be used to maintain the desired temperature within the enclosure. However, if the enclosure is in a room with varying temperatures, additional measures may be necessary to maintain the desired ambient temperature.
One approach to managing ambient temperature is to utilise a combination of heating elements. Some reptile enthusiasts employ a Radiant Heat Panel for the ambient temperature, controlled by a device such as Herpstat, and a Flexwatt for the hot side of the enclosure. This setup allows for more precise temperature control, ensuring the snake's needs are met.
The Flexwatt, or flex watt, is a heating element that can be used in conjunction with an RHP to create a hotter area within the enclosure, often referred to as the hot spot. By placing a probe under the hide area and setting the temperature at 90, it is possible to achieve a hot spot temperature of around 90-92 degrees. This setup can be fine-tuned to maintain the desired temperature range without constantly adjusting the settings.
Overall, RHPs are a preferred choice for providing ambient heat and a basking spot for snakes. With proper setup and temperature control, RHPs can maintain a comfortable environment for snakes, ensuring their core body temperature needs are met without compromising their safety.
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Flexwatt and Radiant Panel for temperature control
Flexwatt and Radiant Heat Panels (RHPs) are two methods of temperature control for reptiles, such as snakes. RHPs are considered the primary heat source, providing sufficient warmth for reptiles without the need for additional heat sources. They radiate heat, warming the air around them and providing a more consistent temperature than Flexwatt.
Flexwatt, or heat tape, is supplementary to RHPs, providing a hot spot for the reptile to rest on. It is less effective at heating enclosures and takes a significant amount of time to transfer heat through plastic enclosures, resulting in fluctuating temperatures.
When using a Radiant Heat Panel, the temperature can be set at 80°F (26.6°C) for perfect 80°F (26.6°C) ambient temperatures year-round. The probe should be hung 3-4 inches below the panel, with the output limited to 40%.
For a Flexwatt setup, a temperature of 90°F (32.2°C) can be set with the probe hot-glued right into the hide, limited to 60% output. This provides a hot spot of 90-92°F (32.2°C-33°C).
It is important to note that RHPs are generally preferred over Flexwatt due to safety concerns and their ability to effectively heat enclosures.
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Frequently asked questions
The temperature of your flex watt depends on the temperature of the room your snake is kept in. If your room is kept at 78-80 degrees, set your flex watt to 90. If your room is kept at 72-74 degrees, you may not need a flex watt, as the RHP should be sufficient.
A flex watt is a form of under-tank heating (UTH) heat tape. It is used to create a "belly heat" hot spot for snakes.
An RHP is a Radiant Heat Panel. It is used to heat the ambient air in a snake enclosure.
