heat light

[dan2492]

Do you have to have a heat lamp with a bp or is just an undertank heater ok??
Dan

[lilyskip]

I have both...the temperature in the tank with just the UTH required another heat source. I also like the effect of having a distinct day and night in the tank. When I turn off the day bulb and plug in the black light, Huxley is out and moving within half an hour.

The reptile bulb provides UVA rays (which prevent most reptiles from becoming depressed...not sure if this is an issue with nocturnal bps), and bring the temperature on the hot side up about 5-10 degrees or more, depending on the angle, and the overall tank temperature up a few degrees.

I think this is one of those things that depends on how much heat your tank needs (check your temp gauges). I know people who only use UTHs, or only use heat lamps, and their snakes seem fine.

[Big Mike]

A heat light in not required. BP's do not need UVA or UVB light to thrive. As long as the proper temp is reached and there is a gradient...it's OK.

Lighting can be nice though. If you are displaying the snake it helps to see it. It would give the snake a day/night cycle. Lights can be used as a suplemental heat source.

[Colonel SB]

I use heat lamps to heat the tanks.

[Invictus]

Lamps with 40 watt bulbs can give off a surprising amount of heat, depending on the height of the enclosure. Using both is a great idea, as long as the combination doesn't drastically increase the temperature.

[dan2492]

ok thanks alot