Hi, I’m sorry currently trying to do my research on getting a ball python, and I’m wondering what everyone’s opinions are on radiant heat panels? I’m planning to buy a 4x2x2 pvc enclosure, but am seeing conflicting info on if the rhp’s work as a solitary heat source, and thought I would ask outright, hopefully from some people with experience
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In a PVC I have had success with an appropriately sized RHP but you need to pay attention to both the ambient and the warm-hide temps. It can be a challenge to place the thermostat probe to optimize both temperatures. Ambient room temperature is a factor as well. The optimal setup IMO is to have UTH under the warm hide with its own thermo probe and then the RHP on a separate probe.
For the benefit of others that may read this, if you are stacking PVC enclosures the UTH or RHP will influence the temperatures of enclosures stacked above or below and should be considered when setting up.
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I’ve been running RHP for almost a decade, for bullsnake, ball python, corn and boas. I do not incorporate any other heat along with the rhp.
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I agree with both @themorphranch & @randall_turner_jr it all depends on your ambient room temp. I either use a under tank on one side or a rhp on one side of my pvc 4x2s but my ambient is always in the mid to high seventies. Also in a basement room witch makes it more stable. If I had a true dedicated reptile room I wouldn’t use either and just keep my room around 85 degrees, but that’s just me!
I do like that @themorphranch mentioned this, it’s great info and works with stacks of racks as well!
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Just out of curiosity, are you getting a baby?
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Yes I would be getting a baby. I don’t plan on this being necessarily anytime soon, but I am trying to get my “shopping list” per say together and trying to gather as much information as possible. I figured I would get a baby, and if the size of a full adult enclosure proved to be a problem for the baby that I may get a tub to keep them in until they grow up a little
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Ok. Actually a 4x2x2 would be way too big for a baby BP. Something a lot smaller will be necessary for a baby because they need to feel very safe, secure, warm and snugg in order for them to eat. Just fair warning! 
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