new enclosure items

[crzy_kevo]

ok so on monday i am getting a 30 gal tank for george one of my main concerns is for heat since i have ac what wattage of bulb should i get and what kind my local pet store has too many to choose from

ive narrowed it down to a blue incandesant daylight bulb that doubles as a heat lamp(i dunno that is what it says on the box light&heat)
or a 100 watt spotlight bulb im not sure which would work best so if everyone can post what orks best for them with a description then i can know what to get
thanks every1

[anji1971]

I just use a heat pad on the bottom of the tank. Eastern garters are pretty content at just room temp with a nice warm spot to choose if they need it. I use a plain old desk lamp for light, you can use a compact fluorescent bulb in the summer, and switch to a regular 60 watt in the colder weather to add a bit more heat in the tank. I actually find mine are more active when it's in the 70's for temp, rather than 80's or higher.

[crzy_kevo]

i like the heatpad idea but they are more expensive than a bulb and i don't have a ton of financing so ya

but i will keep it in mind

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

I ahve noticed the same... I have heating pads under my garters... and none of my easterns ever use them!!! theyre always on the cool end... I even checked to make sure its not TOO warm... they simply seem to prefer room temps! I am sure they sneak some heat at some point though

[anji1971]

Fair enough! They can get a bit pricey.

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

I provide basking lights for my gravid girls though... and they bask... all... day... long!

along with extra worms... and foot massages... and back rubs

[anji1971]

I ahve noticed the same... I have heating pads under my garters... and none of my easterns ever use them!!! theyre always on the cool end... I even checked to make sure its not TOO warm... they simply seem to prefer room temps! I am sure they sneak some heat at some point though

They seem to use the heat only for a while after a big meal.
And considering I find the wild ones out and about in the spring as soon as the temps hit 60, I guess they really do prefer the cooler weather!
And, yeah, looking back,
Chili was on that heatmat for the whole time before she had the little ones!

[crzy_kevo]

ya especially for the larger one that a 30 gal tank may require but it sounds like i should get a bulb that doesnt put out too much heat and try and keep the temp on 1 side at maybe high 70's
it is currently like 67-68 degrees in the apartment and it can get quite cool at night in here so maybe a infrared heat lamp?

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

If you have a basking area that gets close up to the light... I would use like a 75 watter. If its some distance from the light to the cage bottom... I would use a 100 watter to one far side in a 30 gallon. Is it a 30 long or high? Be careful that the light fixure does not focus the heat into a supertight beam when using high wattage, it can possibly burn your garter if they get too close to the light and lay in one spot for too long.

[crzy_kevo]

actually i forgot to ask so i am hoping it is a high cuz i know garters like to climb