Boaphile Setup

[Countryrocker212]

I'm debating how to setup my boaphile enclosure it's 48" long 18" deep 14" tall. I don't plan on using uvb and I'm not sure about a basking light. I have a thermostat and plan on using a radiant heat panel. Would I be better off cutting a hole for a basking lamp and shooting for 95, with the heat panel next to that set for 80 and having the cool end at 70 or should I skip the basking lamp and have my heat panel all the way at the end set at 95 and have the gradient be whatever it is. I'd rather not cut a hole for the lamp but I will if I have to. ThAnks for the help

[splashy07]

I have some similar setups. The top one has a circle cut out for the light (option from mfr.) and the bottom one has a fixture installed to the top on one side. A 25 watt mini flood lamp supplies enough heat. You would have to make a hole for the cord if not supplied.

[Countryrocker212]

Only thing that makes me nervous about that is the cage only being 14in tall would be the bts touching the lamp.

[Scotts1au]

Nice improvisation. Generally if the light fitting is no closer than an inch or so from the wall of the enclosure, blueys can't touch it because they climb and slide back down the walls again, unlike snakes. Makes me nervous when I see enclosures that people have made with lights fitted in the corners for example where blueys can reach up to.

[Countryrocker212]

Just to clarify as long as the light is at least an inch away from a wall you are good? I've never had one and wasn't sure if they could climb or anything.

[aaronhouts]

I used Boaphiles for years but for boas.
What kind of BTS are you housing?
If it's a gigas, I'd bypass the bulbs and radiant heat panels completely and use heat mats.

[Countryrocker212]

I plan on getting a northern so I don't have to mess with high humidity. I plan on converting a cage I already have but want to make sure I get it set up right. It seemed like radiant heat panels were the easiest option since I already have a thermostat

[Scotts1au]

To clarify at least an inch. I try to put them in the middle of the width of the enclosure which normally ends up a couple of inches from a wall.

I also use extension cords with a ceramic fitting and dangle them down a few inches, that way you can get away with a low wattage globe (as low as still gives you enough ambient heat), they last longer and cheaper to run and tend to survive turning on and off more times. They are cheap and easy to come by.

There is a general rule of thumb here about not recommending heat panels. Lights give more control, less likely to have other issues (eg. damage from direct contact) and I think blueys being diurnal animals appreciate having a light source for heat. I hope that helps.

[Countryrocker212]

Thanks for the help. Any recommendations for a low profile light fixture that would take the proper bulb?