Setup tips for lamps... and cat.

[TheWulf]

I'm getting the tank ready for the arrival of my beardie soon, and I ran into a dead end while trying to setup my lamps.

My main concern is that there isn't much to clip them on and I want to make sure that the cat won't knock off the heat lamp (fire hazard). He hasn't been up on the tank or the dresser where the tank is kept yet, so it looks safe enough, but I'd like to find a way to secure it.

Anyone else have a cat? How did you cope with it ?

[ydnic]

I have everything in its own room so the cats can`t get at it unless I let them in

[TheWulf]

Well yea that works but I want to keep him where people can see him...

[marisa]

What type of lid are you using?

There are generally two types of common lids. One is made from the lighter weight screen mesh...with the white knob you turn in the front middle to open it. The other kind is a black coated wire with a door that opens in the middle.

If you have the second type, or can get it, you can drill a few small holes around the lip of the light holder (the metal kind) and use clips to slip through those holes, and around the wires that make the lid. This will hold the lamp in place.

This might not work for you as you might not have that type of lid, but they are pretty affordable.

Marisa

[ydnic]

yeah an ornimental beardie, lol

I always had my tanks up high and would connect the lamp to a shelve above - my cats seemed fine - but i had a screen cover

You know if youu want some one to see it you can always bring them into the room its in as well - cats really can`t be trusted - EVER!

Good luck

[TheWulf]

Yea I have the second kind.

I thought of doing that, but I was hoping not having to take a drill at my lamps. It's a good idea though, I'll probably end up doing it.

He's on an old dresser in the living room. I just like to watch the critters throughout the day.. living room is the best place for that.

Thanks.

[marisa]

You can use a small drill bit and make little holes and even use garbage bag ties to tie it on the lid. Three holes makes it pretty sturdy and it holds on even if you hold the lid upside down.

We have three cats so I have had to make all kinds of "inventions" to protect the herps from them. lol

Marisa

[TheWulf]

I think I'll go get some small metal wire... will look a little nicer than garbage ties

Did you so the same for the fluorescent lamp? plastic casing so it might not work as well. I'm not as worried about that since it's not hot enough to start a fire, but I wouldn't want to leave the beardie without his light.