CHE Possible Issues

[izzbo]

Has anyone ever had trouble with fumes coming from a ceramic heat emitter used at night to keep temps up? When I check temps my eyes can get irritated a bit. I've tried 3 different models and have had similar results. They are all in 8.5 ceramic clamp lamps. My roommate doesn't notice anything so i may be crazy.

Anyway here is some more info on my setup:

I have a custom enclosure built out of Douglas Fur. The top is wire mesh and the front door kittens and folds down. My beardie has been in it for 3 years and no issues. I had a 150 watt ceramic heat emitter on one side. My guy ended up with pneumonia so I used the CHE at night to keep the temps up. On the 2nd night it burnt out so I got a new one and a few spares that are different brands. That is when I started to notice it. I've tried switching brands, clamp lamps, watages and haven't noticed too much of a difference. Since the daytime temps are higher you would expect issues in the day if it were something in the tank.

Thanks in advance,
Jason

 

[CooperDragon]

I use a 100w CHE and haven't noticed any fumes. Is the CHE close to the wood at all? My first guess is that it could be heating the wood and causing some fumes. Another thought is possibly a defective fixture but if you've tried multiple fixtures that is less likely.

 

[izzbo]

It is somewhat close to wood but the wood only gets to 100 and I ended up putting a hit pad over the wood area just too be safe. What type of fixture and size do you use?

 

[CooperDragon]

I have a ZooMed LF-12 8'' fixture for the 100w CHE. It's hanging above the tank on a lamp stand at 25'' from the floor.