Question on Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panel Installation

Hello all!

I’m gearing up to get my first ball python! I like to be completely prepared before even looking at purchasing an animal, so I’m getting all the habitat/heating/lighting/decor ready. I found the enclosure I want, a 4x2x2 from Dubia Roaches 4'x2'x2' (120 Gallon) Reptile Enclosure | Reptile Supply – Dubia.com. I have a problem, though: my place gets cold at night (mid-low 60s) so I know I’ll need a form of ceramic/radiant heat emitter in lieu of a heat lamp. I like the 80w Vivarium Radiant Heat panel (if it ever comes back in stock) specifically bc it apparently won’t hurt the snake, even if the snake touches it. My biggest issue: this tank has a heavy duty mesh top. everything I’ve read/video I’v watched talks about screwing it into a PVC top. I ask the customer service chat if it could be attached to the screen and they said it could, but I’m extremely dubious. Anyone have any advice? (I’ve attached the chat for context)

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I mean, you can most definitely do so, and people have (at least according to a quick Google). While they are also out of stock, RHP mounting strips do exist as well. You could likely just make your own with some strips of 12mm PVC

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oh my god. In all my googling, not once did those mounting strips pop up. my hero!!

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Happy to be of help, and best of luck on preparing for your new BP!

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These VR Heatpanels are always out of stock online. I literally checked online for two months straight Every Day!! And they were always out of stock. I went to my local Reptile Store and ran in to a whole wall full of them. So that might be your route as well?.. Maybe call and see if they have them in stock? But for sure one of the best Panels I’ve tried for that price point. I’m not entirely sure if Dubia offers the option to send you a PVC cover for the mesh top? Some other Enclosure company’s do offer that so the heat does not escape, might be worth asking… But if they don’t I’ve had success trapping in heat with just towels or Aluminum duct tape just remember to leave some area open for air flow. :slightly_smiling_face:

Good luck! And congrats on your new ball python! :tada:

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