Dome size for CHE

[JTB]

I am currently using a heat mat for my Leo, but I don't feel that the heat it gives off is as good as what I had when I was using a CHE. In the near future I'm going to order a dome fitting to put my CHE into and do away with the mat (I have change viv since going to a heat mat and they are easier to install which is why I did not use the CHE to start), so I'm wondering what size dome I'll need for it. The CHE I have is a 150w White Python Ultra Slim, which I could downsize if needs be but seeing as it is the Ultra Slim model I doubt I'll have to. I'm mainly concerned whether I will need a wire fitting or full metal dome and which size metal dome if that's what you recommend. Thanks

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Buy the widest full metal dome possible such that the bulb clears the screen. Wire fittings let most of the heat escape. :razz:

I'd keep (or upgrade) the size of your UTH up to 1/2 the length of your vivarium and the whole width. If there are no heat mats that size, I'd use heat cables. I've heard that the first 6 feet of a heat cable is unheated. Check to be sure.

Then use the CHE on a dimmer/rheostat for accessory heat.

Your UTH should be on a thermostat.


This is Kyle's 36 x 18 x 17 inch 40 gallon breeder enclosure.

 

[JTB]

I will look for a dome like that then. It's annoying that half of the time you don't get dimensions for the things, because with the black plastic supports on te Exo Terra tops you can't have domes over a certain width. I'll have a look though. Would a 30cm compact top do? I have one for the UVB bulb already and it's a decent size.

I don't see the point in keeping both heating elements - a CHE provides adequate heat alone, whereas I feel that heat mats don't, so why have something that doesn't do the job very well when you already have something that does? It's kind of like saying to cook food you should put it in a good oven that cooks properly then also take it out and put it in another oven that does not get hot enough.

 

[JTB]

Been searching CHEs since my last post... Getting tired now XD

I have not been able to find anything that I know will do the job as I want it to. At the minute, I'm thinking along the lines of an Exo Terra 18cm Reptile Dome, on the bracket with a 50w CHE (I'm pretty sure that the 150w is going to be overkill, but this may be wrong). The 150w White Python CHE I have in storage has a 10cm diameter and is 6cm long, so length wise it fits in pretty much anything but the diameter means that it's too wide too soon for most domes. It's really quite confusing, not knowing the dimensions of the domes or the CHEs and then trying to find what fits and what will get hot enough.

So, to narrow that down: what wattage CHE would you recommend and what dome would you think appropriate for a CHE of that size? And also, will I need a bracket to adjust the height? Thanks

 

[JTB]

Been searching CHEs since my last post... Getting tired now XD

I have not been able to find anything that I know will do the job as I want it to. At the minute, I'm thinking along the lines of an Exo Terra 18cm Reptile Dome, on the bracket with a 50w CHE (I'm pretty sure that the 150w is going to be overkill, but this may be wrong). The 150w White Python CHE I have in storage has a 10cm diameter and is 6cm long, so length wise it fits in pretty much anything but the diameter means that it's too wide too soon for most domes. It's really quite confusing, not knowing the dimensions of the domes or the CHEs and then trying to find what fits and what will get hot enough.

So, to narrow that down: what wattage CHE would you recommend and what dome would you think appropriate for a CHE of that size? And also, will I need a bracket to adjust the height? Thanks

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Been searching CHEs since my last post... Getting tired now XD

I have not been able to find anything that I know will do the job as I want it to. At the minute, I'm thinking along the lines of an Exo Terra 18cm Reptile Dome, on the bracket with a 50w CHE (I'm pretty sure that the 150w is going to be overkill, but this may be wrong). The 150w White Python CHE I have in storage has a 10cm diameter and is 6cm long, so length wise it fits in pretty much anything but the diameter means that it's too wide too soon for most domes. It's really quite confusing, not knowing the dimensions of the domes or the CHEs and then trying to find what fits and what will get hot enough.

So, to narrow that down: what wattage CHE would you recommend and what dome would you think appropriate for a CHE of that size? And also, will I need a bracket to adjust the height? Thanks

What size is your Exo Terra enclosure? A 150 watt CHE probably will not be overkill. You'll definitely need a thermostat!

The wider the dome, the more heat will be directed downwards.

What are your room temps at night? I suggest turning off the CHE at night if your room temps stay no cooler than 18.3*C.

I've never used a CHE on top of an Exo Terra enclosure as a sole heat source.

 

[JTB]

I already have a pulse proportional thermostat and I was planning to use it anyway. Does that change things? I did think it odd that having a heating element on a thermostat would get hot enough to burn through mesh, but that makes sense if you were thinking I'd use it without a stat so that it's be on 24/7. No, I like having the peace of mind that any heat source I am using is statted.

My room gets about that cold if not a little cooler. I have never gave my Leo a night time temp drop before and I have had her for three years so I think I'll keep my current schedule going.

My Exo is the medium low, so 60x45x30cm LxDxH.

Does having it statted mean I don't have to worry about it melting the mesh? In that case it makes my job easy enough - just need a dome and it sounds like I'm good to go. I might be taking that the wrong way though.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

I already have a pulse proportional thermostat and I was planning to use it anyway. Does that change things? I did think it odd that having a heating element on a thermostat would get hot enough to burn through mesh, but that makes sense if you were thinking I'd use it without a stat so that it's be on 24/7. No, I like having the peace of mind that any heat source I am using is statted.

My room gets about that cold if not a little cooler. I have never gave my Leo a night time temp drop before and I have had her for three years so I think I'll keep my current schedule going.

My Exo is the medium low, so 60x45x30cm LxDxH.

Does having it statted mean I don't have to worry about it melting the mesh? In that case it makes my job easy enough - just need a dome and it sounds like I'm good to go. I might be taking that the wrong way though.

I have no idea how much heat it takes to melt the plastic dividers Exo Terra places on top of their vivs or the mesh itself. Maybe Exo Terra knows.

Some of this is trial and error. The CHE wattage you'll need depends upon room temperature.

 

[JTB]

Room temp is about 18-20*C on average throughout the year. I think I'll get a Exo Terra 18cm light dome and a 100w CHE - I'm pretty sure that wil get hot enough, but if not I can always get a higher wattage. I'll let you know how I get on.

 

[JTB]

So I was just looking at the description on both products and it says not to use the Light Dome with CHEs. I think this may be because Exo Terra don't make thermostats and I could imagine without a thermostat that heat would build up quickly within it. So if I am using a thermostat, I should be OK, right?

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Room temp is about 18-20*C on average throughout the year. I think I'll get a Exo Terra 18cm light dome and a 100w CHE - I'm pretty sure that wil get hot enough, but if not I can always get a higher wattage. I'll let you know how I get on.

So I was just looking at the description on both products and it says not to use the Light Dome with CHEs. I think this may be because Exo Terra don't make thermostats and I could imagine without a thermostat that heat would build up quickly within it. So if I am using a thermostat, I should be OK, right?

The info I've seen in the USA says to always use a light dome that has a ceramic/porcelain socket when using any CHE!

Good, I'm curious.

Some folks (Zux/Shane in the UK included) depend upon an UTH or heat cables for belly heat and also use a CHE as accessory heat. Heat from an UTH is very localized. 4 inches off the ground temperatures drop off quickly. A CHE creates some warm air space. In order to heat the ground adequately with a CHE the air temps will be very high!

Please provide links to products. I would have spotted the ceramic socket detail right away had I had a link.

 

[JTB]

The socket is definitely ceramic. I know for a fact because I have one already that houses a heat bulb for my created gecko.

I know Shane very well from YouTube, I speak to him quite often!

I used to use just a ceramic alone for two years and throughout that time it worked better for me than any other heat element I've used. I've ordered in the new CHE and dome and I'll set it up next weekend, I've spent about three hours on the internet researching this topic all day and I'm pretty sure I've got everything sorted now... I don't think I've ever packed so much information regarding a bit of heating kit into my head in one day!

 

[JTB]

Here is the link: Exo Terra : Light Dome / Aluminum UV Reflector Lamp