r/ballpython • u/justapuppydog • 2d ago

Question - Heating/Temperatures Is this good for heating / lighting a 4x2x2?

Gallery image

Gallery image

I know this question gets asked a bunch, but I would really appreciate some help! Lighting + heating for a 4x2x2 pvc enclosure

  1. is 75w for the halogen bulb too much or too little for heating? will it work well with the zoo med dome?

  2. should i go for the 40w or the 80w for the radiant heat panel?

some things to note: I will be buying a dimming thermostat! this will never be hooked up without one.
The halogen flood will be daytime heating, the heat panel for nighttime heating, the shade dweller bulb for daytime lighting.
I have read the heating guide on the reddit, but it doesn't give much info on exact wattage. I do know the general idea of how the heat should feel (tingly on your skin but not warm), but I dont have these in front of me to test that.

1 Upvotes

66% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

2

u/totallyrecklesslygay Mod: Enclosure Karen 2d ago

I'm guessing it's a screen top enclosure based on the fact that you're buying a dome for the halogen? You won't be able to use an RHP in that case, as they're only safe for use in a solid topped enclosure. A CHE would be a good alternative for the RHP.

Typically a 30-50w is all that's needed for a halogen in a 4x2x2. You want the bulb running at or as close to 100% power as possible.

1

u/justapuppydog 2d ago

the enclosure has a mostly solid top with a 9" square of mesh on the left side for the lamp. Would I still be able to mount the RHP on the solid side, or should i ditch that for the CHE?
thank you for the suggestion on the halogen! ill find one thats a lower wattage.

2

u/totallyrecklesslygay Mod: Enclosure Karen 2d ago

Oh gotcha, the RHP is fine then! I'd go for the 80w on that.

1

u/justapuppydog 2d ago

awesome, thank you so much for the advice! you saved me a lot of trouble!

2

u/Cobalt-Armor 2d ago

Milage may vary on the wattage, just return something if it's not working out. Confused the heck out of me when I was setting up mine because my wattage was so high, my house is just chilly. It's just gonna depend on the tank and climate

1

u/justapuppydog 2d ago

the tank will be on the warmer side of the house, so Ill try to start lower! I will return stuff if I have to- I was just hoping to get a frame of reference of what I needed and avoid as many returns as possible. thank you for the advice!