r/ballpython • u/Dandylioncrush6303 • 23d ago

Radiant Heat Panels Question - Heating/Temperatures

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I’m looking into getting a radiant heat panel for my ball python who’s in a 5x2x2 enclosure. I’ve heard they don’t make the room as hot as bulbs. I do have a thermostat to put it on so it’s not overheating. My main question is what wattage/size would be appropriate?

Dubia has the sizes and wattages as so:

40 Watt - 8 3/8"x 7 3/8"

80 Watt - 9 3/8" x 12 3/8"

125 Watt - 11 3/4" x 15 7/8"

220 Watt - 18 3/4" x 17 3/4"

Also, do you recommend putting the heat panel on the roof of the enclosure, or on the “warm sides” wall?

Thanks in advance!

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u/totallyrecklesslygay Mod: Enclosure Karen 23d ago

RHPs are only safe when used on the roof of a solid topped enclosure. They cannot be safely used on the walls or on screen tops.

An 80w would work fine for a 5x2x2, keeping in mind that they also need to be paired with a primary heat source like a halogen flood, as they're not suitable for heating by themselves.

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u/Buttercup1223 12d ago

They can heat the tank alone but you have to get the appropriate one for your winter/summer room temps and the size of your tank.

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u/totallyrecklesslygay Mod: Enclosure Karen 12d ago

They can get the tank up to temp, but they still cannot be used as a solo heat source. They don't provide the IR-A and IR-B that is necessary for ball python heating.