Heating questions....

[jacquig11]

Hey there...I've just got my new vivs for my ccp's and querying heating again.

The vivs are 5ft long by 3ft high by 2ft deep. I have myself a 150w and a 250w ceramic for each viv. However, I'm hearing different advice again.

I'm being told that 1x250w should be enough. I would firstly like anyone's opinion on this, preferably through heating a viv of this size.

I'd also like to know what would use more electricity. I have pulse stats, and I'm thinking that the 2 ceramics will use less electricity to maintain the basking spot temps than just the 250w which would have to work harder? (I have everything needed and ready to go for both ceramics.)

Anyone any pics of this kind of set-up? Looking for confirmation on where to place to 2 bulbs if this is to be the case. I'm thinking the 250w close to the back corner with the 150w next to it but a few inches nearer the middle of the viv so that the back right/left section is covered properly.

Any suggestions welcome, thanks folks.

[Carla-Marie]

Hi there. I have a single 60w ceramic in each of our 3 4ft vivs and they regulate the temperature really nicely. The temperature holds really well.

There's no harm in trying a single ceramic in a lower wattage and if it doesn't seem to work you can add another or something more powerful. I think even a 100 watt would do the job for you.

[Gomjaba]

Don't know the requirements about CCPs but if they need it rather hot then you might have the same issue I do where in order to get higher temps on the floor you need to get them to such a high temp. that you cannot even touch the guard ...

Edit: Ah, CCP is a carpet lol - so not too bad .. basking spot is only around 88 as far as I remember - you might need a 100W or even 150W to get that warm at the basking spot (and a bit guard)

[paulds]

Personally would use just the one 250w.

Could try just one and if the snake is constantly huddled under the heater then put the other in.

[jacquig11]

They're only yearlings at the mo, so there's lots I can do to make sure the basking spot is right. I'm more concerned maintaining temps in the whole viv rather than just the hotspot.

I'm just a bit spewy now because I already had the 150w's and was told I'd need much more. So I shelled out for all 4 guards and now might only need 1 bulb? Hmmmm....

Back to the electricity usage - am I right in thinking that on a pulse stat, the 2 bulbs would use less electricity than just 1? Anyone??

Thanks folks

[Carla-Marie]

I think you'd probably use the same amount of electricity heating two ceramics for less time (as they'd warm up the viv quicker) as you would using just one ceramic (which would be on more as I doubt it would be as efficient).

[jacquig11]

Originally Posted by Carla-Marie

I think you'd probably use the same amount of electricity heating two ceramics for less time (as they'd warm up the viv quicker) as you would using just one ceramic (which would be on more as I doubt it would be as efficient).

So if this is the case, I'm thinking, seeing as I already have everything, just putting it all in there at the start. Plus, if anything goes wrong wi 1, the other is already there, no dramas....

If there is no greater input.....

Can't wait to get pics up of my yearlings in their new vivs

[kelboy]

I'd just stick with the single 250watt. It will give the whole viv plenty of ambient heat, and a decent range in temperatures throughout the length of it, including a good basking spot. I'm not sure how 2 CHEs of different wattages would act, with one thermostat, but I can't imagine it would be any advantage over a single CHE of the higher wattage, apart from one still working, if the other blows, but if you check your temps regularly enough, having one spare would be sufficient. Cool temperatures for a short period will cause no adverse effects to your snakes.

[jacquig11]

Originally Posted by kelboy

I'd just stick with the single 250watt. It will give the whole viv plenty of ambient heat, and a decent range in temperatures throughout the length of it, including a good basking spot. I'm not sure how 2 CHEs of different wattages would act, with one thermostat, but I can't imagine it would be any advantage over a single CHE of the higher wattage, apart from one still working, if the other blows, but if you check your temps regularly enough, having one spare would be sufficient. Cool temperatures for a short period will cause no adverse effects to your snakes.

Interesting....have u maintained heat in a viv of this size kelboy?

[kelboy]

Originally Posted by lmnaughty1

Interesting....have u maintained heat in a viv of this size kelboy?

Not in a 5', but I have in a 4', with a 150watt with perfect temps and a nice gradient, and currently use a 250watt in the same viv, again, temps are good. An extra foot won't make much difference to the cool end temps in a wooden viv, due to them being well insulated. If anything, it would give an even better gradient and variation in temperatures. Basking temps will still be maintained by the radiation of heat downwards.