Bulb wattage

Lankyrob · 06-02-10, 03:50 PM

Could anyone tell me if there is a calculation to work out the wattage of ceramic required to heat a square footage?

I have a 4foot x 2 foot x 2 foot = 16sq ft viv to heat..............

Nafun · 06-02-10, 04:09 PM

No equation will help you. Depends too much on the temps outside the cage, and the ventilation of the cage.

I have a 4'x2'x1' enclosure and I heat it with a 150w ceramic heat emitter, but I designed it with vents at the bottom so it would suck cool air from outside to maintain a temperature gradient.

If you're maintaining the room at the cold side temperature, you can probably do it with something small like a 50 or 100 watt. If you're not, you're going to need a bigger bulb, especially in the winter.

Lankyrob · 06-02-10, 05:58 PM

Cheers mate - here's me thinking it would be easy!!!

Nafun · 06-02-10, 07:04 PM

Best bet is a thermostat.

shaunyboy · 06-03-10, 08:27 AM

ive got a 60 watt in my 2x2x2 it does the job as the tanks stacked above another that helps boost the heat.when i tried to use a 60 watt on a 2x2x2 in a quaritine room on just a single tank (my quarintine room was a pretty cold room at night ).i found it hard to get the temp up to 85f.i would go for the next size up from a 60 mate.even if it was 100 watt.
cheers shaun

Lankyrob · 06-05-10, 07:51 AM

Thanks all - it will have a thermostat without a doubt - just didnt want to get a too big or too small bulb.

shaunyboy · 06-05-10, 08:14 AM

sorry mate i miss read your post i thought yopu had a 2x2x2 its a 4x2x2 i use 100 watt and 150 watts in mine.100 watt keeps the temp no probs pal (86f)
cheers shaun

Lankyrob · 06-05-10, 09:22 AM

cheers dude - will be shopping this week!! get those bad boy new vivs up and running and the babies into their new homes!