Does anyone here use exo-terra/zoo-med vivariums?(Heating for the Winter)

[Mikoh4792]

I have my jungle carpet python in an exo-terra vivarium and will probably keep him in there for a good year. However, I use zoo-med compact tops which only support up to 60 watt bulbs. Even worse, the exo-terra compact tops only support up to 26 watts. I don't think 60 watts is going to be enough to keep temps up during the Winter in New York. What do you guys do to supplement the heat? Should I stick a heat pad or something to the sides of the cage?

I also have two 12x12x18 inch exo-terras which I have been saving for future additions to my collection and mini dome lamps do not fit on the top as far as lamp heating goes, 60 watt bulbs are the highest I can use on them.

[smy_749]

Get a ceramic fixture, ceramic bulb and thermostat. Nobody forces you to use the compact fixture, and the ceramic fixture for a bulb is only 10 bucks.

Heat rises, mounting on the side will lose alot of the heat which is why mounting underneath is ideal. You wont see much ambient change from an undertank heater, only surface temps for the most part.

Im in CT and use ceramic bulb if needed, and 60 watt red/blacklight bulbs from walmart which provide good heat

[Mikoh4792]

Get a ceramic fixture, ceramic bulb and thermostat. Nobody forces you to use the compact fixture, and the ceramic fixture for a bulb is only 10 bucks.

Heat rises, mounting on the side will lose alot of the heat which is why mounting underneath is ideal. You wont see much ambient change from an undertank heater, only surface temps for the most part.

Im in CT and use ceramic bulb if needed, and 60 watt red/blacklight bulbs from walmart which provide good heat

I could use a ceramic for the 18x18 size and up. However, what about my 12x12's? Even mini domes do not fit on there. What would you suggest?

[KORBIN5895]

You need to remove the screen top and put a piece of plywood or Plexiglas.

[Danimal]

I have an 18x18 and 2 of the 18x36 and I use the compact fixture as well. The 26 watt is for cfl that put out very litte heat, not enough to make a difference. I have basking lights in the mini dome as well. I cover my tops like Korbin suggests but I made panels, wrapped in heavy duty foil that fit into the top. Zilla makes a mini halogen heat dome that may fit on your 12". I've seen it at petco and petsmart, it's 4.25 inches dia.

[Mikoh4792]

I have an 18x18 and 2 of the 18x36 and I use the compact fixture as well. The 26 watt is for cfl that put out very litte heat, not enough to make a difference. I have basking lights in the mini dome as well. I cover my tops like Korbin suggests but I made panels, wrapped in heavy duty foil that fit into the top. Zilla makes a mini halogen heat dome that may fit on your 12". I've seen it at petco and petsmart, it's 4.25 inches dia.

Nice, that may be just what I need.

[Mikoh4792]

You need to remove the screen top and put a piece of plywood or Plexiglas.

Slipped my mind. Thanks for reminding me.