UTH vs Light fixtures

Mikoh4792 · 05-09-13, 12:40 AM

I've found several brands of UTH's but which ones are the best? I know of zoo-med, exo-terra, fluker's...etc but most of the reviews seem to be similar for all of them.

Also, is it hard to keep humidity levels around 40-60% when using light fixtures for heating?

Lankyrob · 05-09-13, 04:52 AM

I use ceramic heat emitters for snakes with no humidity requirements through to a GTP with hi humidity requirements, i spray twice a week and have no issues with humidity at all.

I use melamine vivariums (with well sealed joints

)

Mark Taylor · 05-09-13, 05:12 AM

I use pro rep uth on a stat. I did use exo terra heat bulbs but I did have trouble trying to keep constant humidity had to spray every other day but I do keep mine on news paper and paper towels, I still use the heat lamps but only to increase temps on cold days. I keep my house warm for ambient temps around 80-85 I live in a sauna lol.

SSSSnakes · 05-09-13, 05:35 AM

Keeping a heat light over a water bowl and controlling the ventilation will keep a high humidity. It's that simple. UTH do not heat the air to well, they are great for belly heat. Without heating the air your snake could end up with RI.

StudentoReptile · 05-09-13, 05:48 AM

I think it depends on the needs of the species.

Mark Taylor · 05-09-13, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSSSnakes

Keeping a heat light over a water bowl and controlling the ventilation will keep a high humidity. It's that simple. UTH do not heat the air to well, they are great for belly heat. Without heating the air your snake could end up with RI.

I tried that but the bulb kept blowing/exploding and was dangerous with pieces of glass falling on the floor etc.

SSSSnakes · 05-09-13, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Taylor

I tried that but the bulb kept blowing/exploding and was dangerous with pieces of glass falling on the floor etc.

You need to buy better quality bulbs or heat emitters.

Mark Taylor · 05-09-13, 08:45 AM

I use exo terra heat bulbs (not any more they are crud) but I am going ceramic in future.

jarich · 05-09-13, 09:23 AM

Check out radiant heat panels as well. Very useful with snakes especially.

poison123 · 05-09-13, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSSSnakes

Keeping a heat light over a water bowl and controlling the ventilation will keep a high humidity. It's that simple. UTH do not heat the air to well, they are great for belly heat. Without heating the air your snake could end up with RI.

This.

Also using a low wattage bulb closer to your basking spot wont dry out the air as much as a high wattage one will to get the same temps from a distance.

Lankyrob · 05-09-13, 11:04 AM

I have the CHE over a water bowl for two years and not had an issue.........

Terranaut · 05-09-13, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

I have the CHE over a water bowl for two years and not had an issue.........

Just remember you luve in the UK where relative humidity is a bit higher than much of North America

Quote:

Originally Posted by jarich

Check out radiant heat panels as well. Very useful with snakes especially.

I have found for any snakes that climb at all or spend any time perched radiant heat panels are best. CHE's work equally as well but RHP's do not require a cage to keep the snake from touching them. I can hold a hot rhp in my hand so it will not burn a snake. They heat the air far better than a uth or heat tape.

desipooh.12 · 05-09-13, 01:44 PM

For my BRB I don't use a heat lamp,
Mm well I'm lying .. Only when the temp is a lil off
Then ill turn it on for a bit but the best
For humidity would be the UTH big enough
To cover underneath of like 1/4 .. With
No heat lamp .. & all enclosure's closed off ..

Danimal · 05-09-13, 01:49 PM

There are a couple of bulbs made for turtle situations that are moisture resistant, one is called swamp glo, I dunno the other. And that new heat tape with the rivets looks very promising and I am hearing a lot of good feed back about it. Going to order some myself soon.