Light as heat source

[drache]

I have thermometers in about half of my tanks. I do check-ups and seasonal tweaking on the others.

[i of the storm]

how about a clamp-light fixture (the aluminum bowl reflectors) with a 25w bulb resting on the wire mesh top of a 20 gal tank on a timer? Even in the winter the house doesn't drop below 67*F.

[Elliot]

That'd be fine, you might want a higher wattage bulb though.

[enigma200316]

I use that exact lamp, one with 60 watts, for my small viv, and one with 100 watt for the my big viv. its like 50-55 gallons,but they work perfect..
warm side is around 80-82 and cool side is around 75-78.......

[i of the storm]

thanks, I'll give a 40 watt bluish bulb a try.

[RZL36]

I would say, use common sense. If it is too hot and out of season, don't do it. I rarely use lights for my snakes. Then again I try not to buy tropical snakes that need labor intensive heating set-ups. I keep my Garters in my room and they do well. Bear in mind I don't like when it is too hot or too cold. I use my light only after eating (so they can digest) and when I want to play with them (by play with them I mean, grab their tail and they flail wildly). I got a light for plants. Don't know what it is. It it gets hot quickly and I turn it off.

Please advise if I am giving bad advice.

This just seems to work for me.

RD

[CrazyHedgehog]

and when I want to play with them (by play with them I mean, grab their tail and they flail wildly). RD

WHAT!!

[RZL36]

Yeah, it isn't as bad as it sounds. They are super active and I just kinda hold them, they go nuts and then I worry about them hurting themselves. Mine can't be held outside of the cage unless absolutely necessary. Hope I didn't freak you out.

It isn't abusive. Believe me, my snakes get better treatment than my friends. Really, they are fine. It is truthfull, but I won't allow them to hurt themselves.

No need to eek.

RD

[enigma200316]

if I'm not mistaken isn't there to be a warm side of a tank and cool side. so if they want to warm they can and if they need to cool they can??
about like 86 on one side and 78 on the other............. the only time there shouldn't be light or heat like that is when brumating right??

[RZL36]

Yeah, that is what the word is. They get natural sunlight though and can hide from it when they wish. You are totally right though and probably shouldn't be offering unorthodox methods on this forum (I don't brumate, b/c I don't breed yet). Sure fire way for people to banish me and I kinda like it here.

Sorry guys.