Basking Light

[Martinz21]

What is the best wattage for a basking light? Right now I have a 75W but is that to much?

[chris-uk]

Physics says that the "best wattage" is determined by the temperature you want to achieve on the basking point, the ambient air temperature, and the distance between basking spot and bulb. So in short, "best" depends on more factors than you've given us information about.

[Martinz21]

Well my goal is to have a basking area that reaches about 90F. The basking area is a synthetic rock about 6-7 inches from the light... I am using a mini deep dome fixture... Is that enough information?

[Martinz21]

Actually sorry I just took a look at it it's about a foot from the basking area

[guidofatherof5]

Garters are very inquisitive. Is there anyway they can touch the bulb? It doesn't take much contact time for a tongue to suffer a serious burn.

[Martinz21]

Not a chance the closest thing to the light is a tree and its on the cold side of the tank... Not only that but there is a screen between light and the enclosure

[guidofatherof5]

Not a chance the closest thing to the light is a tree and its on the cold side of the tank... Not only that but there is a screen between light and the enclosure

Great. Just making sure.;)

[chris-uk]

Well my goal is to have a basking area that reaches about 90F. The basking area is a synthetic rock about 6-7 inches from the light... I am using a mini deep dome fixture... Is that enough information?

I would think that a 75W bulb will be too hot, I'd try a 60W first and monitor the temp on the hot spot. There are many factors involved so the only way to know for sure is to try the bulb in your setup. And when you change the bulb you should remember that all bulbs are not created equal, unless it's the same bulb from the same manufacturer you need to monitor after changing it.

[-MARWOLAETH-]

Best thing to do is pile some branches or stones at different distances away from the bulb. That way the snake gets get a good range of basking sites from above it's optimal temperature to room temperature and you can get away with using 20-50 watt bulbs

[Martinz21]

Ok thanks... I just wanted to make sure I dont make it to hot

[Sonya610]

How big is the setup? Is there going to be a decent temp gradient between the two sides?

75 watt is a lot. I use 60 watt with a dimmer switch so I can turn them on half way. Heat can kill quick so error on the side of caution.

[Martinz21]

It is a 20 gallon with a good temperature gradient... I switched from a 75 to a much lower wattage I don't have it in front of me right me though. I like it is a 40 or 50 and I will have it on for almost all day so I think that will work out better then the 75.

[Foxrun402]

I use a 20 gal as well for both of my setups, the basking lamps with the dimmer are probably the best bet, but also remember any objects directly under the light will absorb radiant heat from the light as well, thus making the physical object much warmer then the ambient air temperature.

Best bet is to get a dimmer, or use a heating pad with a thermostat and control the warm end with that, then use a weaker 40w just for lighting. I run a T8 25 uvb and an incandescent 40w uva with a heating pad and thermostat, it works well but its all about what you want to spend or can do for them.

This is how mine looks tho for kind of reference.... yellow things on the wall are digital thermometers
http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o774/foxrun402/0746a012-30dd-40bf-a6ad-a46597f137dc_zps5b28eaa0.jpg (http://s1342.photobucket.com/user/foxrun402/media/0746a012-30dd-40bf-a6ad-a46597f137dc_zps5b28eaa0.jpg.html)

[Martinz21]

Mine looks similar to that but I don't use a UVB. Should I for garters I have never really seen anything saying a definite yes or no on the subject?

[Foxrun402]

Its all up to you UVB is supposed to help them metabolize calcium although I'm not entirely sure it helps that much I still use one.

Here is an interesting read in PDF
The effects of ultraviolet radiation on the skin lipids of garter snakes (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDAQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Foregonstate.edu%2Fdept%2Fbiochem% 2Fhhmi%2Fundergradresearch%2F2010%2FVigeland.ppt&ei=neGzUeulG8WTyQGIqIGoBw&usg=AFQjCNE806cvP4WNT29WYiVZEYRMD5iepQ&sig2=ERmyt0JJJ5BX4p4nGcRzLQ&bvm=bv.47534661,d.aWc)
here as an old thread to look through as well
http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/husbandry/6363-uva-uvb-full-spectrum-snakes.html

I just prefer to use it, I should get just a plain T8 bulb without any uv and see if that makes a difference on her behavior, She does however love that UVA light, and that just helps provied visual signals and promote natural behavior, and she acts just as she should flighty, and loves to hide and spy on me lol

[Sonya610]

Mine looks similar to that but I don't use a UVB. Should I for garters I have never really seen anything saying a definite yes or no on the subject?

I also use a ReptiSun 10 UVB (with UVA) light. Seems it may not be required for them to metabolize Vitamin D but some believe the full spectrum light is better for them psychologically as the colors in their environment "look" the way they are supposed too.


Humans see three colors - red, green, and blue. Reptiles see these colors as well, but they can also see UVA wavelength light between 320 and 400 nm. This allows them to see colors and patterns in ways that humans can't.

Seeing UV light allows them to recognize other reptiles of their same species and detect movement. It also stimulates appetite by making food more appealing. The presence of UVA light (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=6016&pcatid=9746) promotes proper foraging, feeding, digestion, activity levels, social behavior, reproduction, and basking.

Using artificial lights that have been designed for humans or lights that do not provide full spectrum light deprives reptiles of UVA light and causes serious behavioral, physiological, and health issues. Lack of UVA light impairs their ability to interact with their environment and other animals within it, causing unnecessary stress and affecting their overall well-being.

Reptile Habitat Lighting: The Importance of UV Lighting for Reptiles (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=2376)

[Martinz21]

The light I got the box says it does give off full spectrum UV light and the bulb is made by ZooMed specifically for reptiles