Halogen light in a reptile lamp?

CosmicOwl · 12-17-13, 10:01 AM

I was thinking of providing my adult corn with a bit of daytime light and heat. I have 75 watt interior halogen bulb and one of the reptile light fixtures that I haven't used in a while, and I was wondering if they would be compatible.

formica · 12-17-13, 10:07 AM

how big is the enclosure and the snake? 75W sounds a bit high tbh

if it fits, then its compatible, basically, just check that the fixture is rated high enough to hold a 75W bulb - and be sure to hook it up to a thermostat

CosmicOwl · 12-17-13, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by formica

how big is the enclosure and the snake? 75W sounds a bit high tbh

if it fits, then its compatible, basically, just check that the fixture is rated high enough to hold a 75W bulb - and be sure to hook it up to a thermostat

It's a 40 gallon tank, so I could see why 75W might be too high. Also, do you think it's better to use a thermostat with a small light/lamp? I see a lot of people using dimmers, so I wasn't sure.

Jim Smith · 12-17-13, 10:26 AM

I would be afraid of building up too much heat. Halogen lights get extremely hot . Another downside to halogen bulbs is that if you touch one and leave any fingerprints, oils etc. on the bulb, you have to wipe the bulb with alcohol or the oils will cause the bulb to overheat and dramatically shorten the life span of the bulb.

jarich · 12-17-13, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Smith

I would be afraid of building up too much heat. Halogen lights get extremely hot . Another downside to halogen bulbs is that if you touch one and leave any fingerprints, oils etc. on the bulb, you have to wipe the bulb with alcohol or the oils will cause the bulb to overheat and dramatically shorten the life span of the bulb.

You're thinking of a different bulb type Jim. You can get all the dirt and gunk you want on the face of a normal PAR halogen flood light without it affecting the life.

As to the OP, the use of a low watt halogen will likely add some benefit to your snake. Halogens produce some UVA, which snakes can see, and a lot of lumens, which also are beneficial. However as stated above, you still need to make sure you are able to provide a cool area and proper gradient too.

CosmicOwl · 12-17-13, 11:20 PM

Thanks for the advice, guys. I keep the Warm side at 85 degrees and cool side somewhere between 70-72. I make sure temps are being checked just below the surface of the aspen. I don't/haven't set up a basking spot yet. He just has a UTH on one end of the cage, with a hide placed over it.

Terranaut · 12-17-13, 10:26 AM

If the fixture is ceramic then yes.

MizCandice · 12-17-13, 12:33 PM

What temp is your home? Most corns do just fine in a warm house as they are native to the US and tolerate our winters. If you do go the heat lamp route I recommend getting a decent temp gun/laser so you can make sure your not over heating the lil guy.

formica · 12-17-13, 12:57 PM

75W of halogen is definitly to powerful for a 40gallon, unless you put it on a proportional dimmer thermostat - even so I dont think its necessary, they do great with heat mats and a simple basking spot of 30C-32C so they can digest food properly, the extra light from a lamp wont really be beneficial to a corn, if you want to see better into the enclosure, LED lighting will do very well without disturbing the thermal gradient

CosmicOwl · 12-17-13, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by formica

75W of halogen is definitly to powerful for a 40gallon, unless you put it on a proportional dimmer thermostat - even so I dont think its necessary, they do great with heat mats and a simple basking spot of 30C-32C so they can digest food properly, the extra light from a lamp wont really be beneficial to a corn, if you want to see better into the enclosure, LED lighting will do very well without disturbing the thermal gradient

Thanks. My house stays in the low 70's usually, although the area with said snake is a few degrees warmer. It's pretty easy to keep a warm side in the 80's with a heating pad. Even still, he usually seems to hang out in a cool side hide. The reason I was contemplating a warm basking spot was because he often is out during the earlier part of the day. I thought it might be interesting to provide him with a natural feeling place to warm up in the morning. Maybe I'll get a lower watt bulb and some more equipment before I try this out.

formica · 12-17-13, 01:49 PM

if he is already spending most of his time on the cool side, then you defintly dont want to add more heat to the setup - what's the temp gradient and basking temps, and how are you measuring them?

important that you dont mix up air temp and basking temp