8*4 enclosure lighting

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Tahabl

That's useful information. Thank you!

We looked at chicken brooder heat panels during our latest TSC-Sutherlands-Atwoods circuit. The models I saw were broadly similar to reptile RHP, but made-in-China and significantly less expensive. Ultimately, we settled on RHP... but the choice was not easy to make.

While the basking lamp may turn out to be unnecessary, I bought a single Arcadia reflector and 75w bulbs to experiment with. We're concerned about heat loss through floor/walls after conversation with Bob of Pro Heat.

PVC enclosures should hold heat quite well (yet, markw84 mentioned that he uses double walls and double-glazed doors in his Smart Enclosures).

With my enclosure (not so cool DIY polypropylene closet) most of the heat loss was through the glass front doors and top. I've ended with adding polystyrene insulation panels from the outside. Didn't consider insulating floor, though - substrate layer is holding warmth good enough.

And instead of reptile RHPs I have "infrared knee warmer panel heaters". They do their job but the choice was driven by specific panel dimensions above anything else.

 

[incognet]

PVC enclosures should hold heat quite well (yet, markw84 mentioned that he uses double walls and double-glazed doors in his Smart Enclosures).

With my enclosure (not so cool DIY polypropylene closet) most of the heat loss was through the glass front doors and top. I've ended with adding polystyrene insulation panels from the outside. Didn't consider insulating floor, though - substrate layer is holding warmth good enough.

And instead of reptile RHPs I have "infrared knee warmer panel heaters". They do their job but the choice was driven by specific panel dimensions above anything else.

I just noticed the typo in my quoted comment. Too bad the window to edit has already passed! 🤦‍♂️

We're looking into different insulation options. Since the enclosure is mounted on wheeled dollies, direct application to underside may be tricky. I think we can stuff material into the gap between dollies and tile, however.

 

[incognet]

UPDATE: We've settled on a general layout for this enclosure. Reptile Basics will supply the majority of new hardware, including lights and Solarmeter.

Spyder robotics will supply the thermostats; Dion was kind enough to sell me a (discontinued) Herpstat EZ1 and EZ2. They're not state-of-the-art, but I appreciate the simplicity and reliability of EZ series. I'll most likely pair the basking lamp 'Stat with Kasa smart plug power strip (to mimic day/night cycle), and leave RHP on 24/7 (to provide correct ambient temperature).

Wilbanks Reptiles will supply the radiant heat panel. A 200w panel costs less than $250, shipping inclusive, and was immediately available. I originally planned to buy from Pro Heat, but their 200w panel costs $300+ and has a 2-week lead time. I'm sure that Pro Heat makes a quality RHP, but we're behind schedule already.

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

I just noticed the typo in my quoted comment. Too bad the window to edit has already passed! 🤦‍♂️

We're looking into different insulation options. Since the enclosure is mounted on wheeled dollies, direct application to underside may be tricky. I think we can stuff material into the gap between dollies and tile, however.

Perhaps, it would be easier to lay insulation on the floor from the inside and cover it with a pond liner.

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

UPDATE: We've settled on a general layout for this enclosure. Reptile Basics will supply the majority of new hardware, including lights and Solarmeter.

Spyder robotics will supply the thermostats; Dion was kind enough to sell me a (discontinued) Herpstat EZ1 and EZ2. They're not state-of-the-art, but I appreciate the simplicity and reliability of EZ series. I'll most likely pair the basking lamp 'Stat with Kasa smart plug power strip (to mimic day/night cycle), and leave RHP on 24/7 (to provide correct ambient temperature).

Wilbanks Reptiles will supply the radiant heat panel. A 200w panel costs less than $250, shipping inclusive, and was immediately available. I originally planned to buy from Pro Heat, but their 200w panel costs $300+ and has a 2-week lead time. I'm sure that Pro Heat makes a quality RHP, but we're behind schedule already.

That's very interesting comment about floor insulation. I think I'll try to do that next winter. I have power consumption measurements from this season to compare.

Once again, thank you for sharing experts designs. I like to learn something new.

 

[jaizei]

It sounds like what was described was meant for enclosures sitting directly on the floor. The air gap created by the wheels will reduce that heat loss significantly. Making a 'skirt' to prevent a constant flow of air underneath more so.

The second screenshot mentions keeping the enclosure in a 70* room, if thats the case, adding additional insulation might help with heating costs some, but i wouldn't view it as necessary. Esp if you have the glass doors at the front. That will be where you lose most heat compared to the pvc walls. If it was in an unheated garage, it'd be a bigger issue.

 

[incognet]

It sounds like what was described was meant for enclosures sitting directly on the floor. The air gap created by the wheels will reduce that heat loss significantly. Making a 'skirt' to prevent a constant flow of air underneath more so.

The second screenshot mentions keeping the enclosure in a 70* room, if thats the case, adding additional insulation might help with heating costs some, but i wouldn't view it as necessary. Esp if you have the glass doors at the front. That will be where you lose most heat compared to the pvc walls. If it was in an unheated garage, it'd be a bigger issue.

An insulating skirt is a good idea. It may also be more aesthetically pleasing than CVS carts underneath. 🛒

The temperature in our sunroom varies with time-of-day and season, but I have not seen it drop below 68F (even during winter). 75-77F is more typical for daytime. I think you're right... insulation (besides the skirt) would be overkill.

 

[incognet]

UPDATE: Now that Aldabra enclosure has moved to its final position in our sunroom, the rough-in work may begin. I would rather not drill additional holes; the previous owner left enough behind that we need to utilize and/or plug.

Since light fixtures don't arrive until FRI, we'll begin with installation of radiant heat panel. My tentative plan is a ceiling RHP mount with PVC or treated lumber spacers. These would be attached to the enclosure via 8-9 preexisting holes on LH side. This roughly corresponds with basking zone.

I would like to suspend other fixtures, with possible exception of basking lamp, using magnetic hooks and lightweight chain. We have 25, 50 and 100lb neodymium magnets to experiment with... though I really doubt a 100lb variant will be necessary. The suspension hardware would be non-marring and adjustable. Has anyone else tried this before?

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

I'm not sure if you need a RHP over basking zone. It's used more for the ambient heating, so placing it in the middle of the enclosure looks more logical.

Using magnets is a cool idea, but I haven't tried it.

And I wonder if swinging can be somehow prevented with long tube/bar fixtures hanged on chains...

 

[incognet]

I'm not sure if you need a RHP over basking zone. It's used more for the ambient heating, so placing it in the middle of the enclosure looks more logical.

Using magnets is a cool idea, but I haven't tried it.

And I wonder if swinging can be somehow prevented with long tube/bar fixtures hanged on chains...

You're right, of course... placement of RHP in middle of enclosure (top panel) is what most guides suggest for ambient heat. I'd just like to utilize existing holes in ceiling panel which are close to basking zone.

The best compromise solution (imo) was to place RHP in the lefthand third of ceiling panel. It would be adjacent to basking zone, not directly over the incandescent fixture, and still provide ambient heat for the enclosure.

There may be a slight heat gradient effect from mounting RHP near basking zone, but I don't think it will be detrimental to my tortoise (especially if panel is 3' overhead). We can modify plans if I'm mistaken, however.

 

[incognet]

Unfortunately, we've just discovered that RHP was damaged in transit (most likely by UPS). It's a real shame that design isn't modular; there's no way to simply replace mounting hardware. If the metal wasn't split/fatigued, I would use a C-clamp or pliers to straighten the corners.

Wilbanks offered to send a replacement. Hopefully they use better packaging this time.

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Oh.. That was a rough play. Let's hope for the quick and safe delivery...