How many CHEs to use...

[4BlindMice]

I KNOW I have seen this on here before, but my search skills are seriously failing me tonight. :/

Anyways- I have the one level ferret nation habitat. I plan to use the ceramic heat emitters for the cage, how many do I need? One or two? Also- what is the difference between a rheostat and a thermostat? Obv. I know what a thermostat is, but I don't really understand a rheostat. What is the difference, should I get both?

[Keosha]

Originally Posted by 4BlindMice

I KNOW I have seen this on here before, but my search skills are seriously failing me tonight. :/

Anyways- I have the one level ferret nation habitat. I plan to use the ceramic heat emitters for the cage, how many do I need? One or two? Also- what is the difference between a rheostat and a thermostat? Obv. I know what a thermostat is, but I don't really understand a rheostat. What is the difference, should I get both?

For a one level ferret nation, I do believe that a single 100 watt CHE bulb would work fine. Some owners do use multiple CHE's depending on their cage sizes, however I think one would be more than adequate for you.

There is no need to purchases a Rheostat, as it doesn't regulate temperature the way a thermostat does. A thermostat combined with a CHE bulb, a dome, and a thermometer is the only items needed to heat your cage.

Here are some links to the said items:

Bulb:
http://www.amazon.com/Flukers-Ceramic-H ... s=che+bulb

Dome:
http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Deluxe-Po ... upplies_10

Thermostat:
http://www.amazon.com/Zilla-11939-Tempe ... supplies_7

Thermometer:
http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Digital-T ... supplies_2

I hope this helps.

[Lilysmommy]

To add to Keosha's advice, it also depends on what temperature your house is usually - if it's colder, you might need two smaller CHE lamps, or you might need a 150 watt one. If it's not too cold, you can probably get away with a 100 watt. If you're not sure, I'd say go with the 150 watt unless you know you'll be able to easily exchange the bulb if you need to. It can also help hold in heat if you weave fabric or plastic into the bars on the lower part of the cage - a number of people with FNs have done that.