Normal Light Bulbs

[dank7oo]

I have been cursed with the 'name brand' heat lamps from hell, have 2 burn out in the last three weeks. They (in my opinion) are so overpriced. I was wondering is a 100 watt light buld gives off the same amount of heat as a 100 watt normal bulb, and if so is it ok to use a normal bulb as my heat source?

Jason

[LISA127]

Yes. I only use normal light bulbs for heat. I just make sure I have a good quality UVB tube on the enclosure. I don't keep chameleons, but it's what I do for my lizards.

[DragnDrop]

Heat form the 'reptile bulbs' is the same as household bulbs. Any basking spots in my enclosures are heated with normal bulbs. The UV lights are the only ones I buy specifically for reptiles.

[drewlowe]

I'm with the other 2, using regular bulbs are just fine. I won't skimp on UVB though. I still use reptile IR bulbs because the stores around my area don't sell the right wattage for my needs.

Jamie

[klein]

what about those newer bulbs that are supposed to save energy. The ones that are only 16 watts but put out enough light for a 60 watt bulb. Which wattage, 16 or 60 would this bulb put out in terms of heat?

Nick

[Big Mike]

I have not tested them, but I don't think that the compact fluorescent lights put out as much heat as regular tungsten bulbs.

[DragnDrop]

Compacts put out more light, but less heat per watt. They're only good for light in most cases. If you only need a SMALL rise in temps, maybe a couple of degrees, then you might be able to get away with the compacts. I use them for lighting dart frog tanks - they only need a few degrees warmer than room temp in winter, so the bit of heat from the ballast works. But for anything more than - say 5+ degrees heat increase, they're useless. They work great for general day/night cycle use in the herp room - saves tons of electricity over using an incandescent light.

[asphyxia]

I use Halogen Floods and Spot lamps ..from 50 Watt up to 175 watts for basking areas and Infrared (Bathroom) heat lamps for 24 hr use.

Cheers
brian

[choriona]

Use a thermometer and find out. :)
Heat is a byproduct of the conversion of electricity to light and is the result of a loss of energy. Energy efficient bulbs are designed to eliminate the amount of heat lost, so they are not as hot.
You can usually make due with a 60watt bulb.

[panther_dude]

well looks like that will save me lots of money lol
thanks guys
darn over priced pet supplies lol
I'm getting a temp gun next month hopefully heard theyre greeeaattt!!

[drewlowe]

Originally posted by panther_dude
I'm getting a temp gun next month hopefully heard theyre greeeaattt!!

Don't know how i ever made it without one. I use mine on a daily basis.

[panther_dude]

lol yea also a uv detector would be sweet.

[manville]

Is the UV light the light people uses for their room? Thats all i use and i have a red heat light.

[choriona]

uv lights are usually in the form of a fluorescent tube that states it emits UVB as well as UVA. THis is essential for your chameleon.
Some people (including myself) have gotten by using "full spectrum" bulbs with exposure to a window year round and direct sunlight in the summer months. But it is more of a gamble.