Dimmer

[Mishathedragon]

I made the dumb mistake of getting the jumpstart heat mat thermometer for controlling the amount of heat my lamp gives off. What’s a good dimmer you guys use for your heat lamps or should I just get those dimmable heat lamp fixtures. I got the jumpstart thing cause I saw people using them and when I started using it I saw how annoying the lamp going on and off is.

[CooperDragon]

If you want a programmable one, there are several good options. I use a Herpstat and that works well. They aren't cheap, but are a nice addition to the enclosure because it will automatically fine tune the temps and has sunrise/sunset features built in.

[Mishathedragon]

If you want a programmable one, there are several good options. I use a Herpstat and that works well. They aren't cheap, but are a nice addition to the enclosure because it will automatically fine tune the temps and has sunrise/sunset features built in.

[Click image to enlarge]
would this be any good for now. I know that the day/ night time feature is bull but all I need for now is something that will dim my 100wt bulb. It stays pretty warm at night so that’s not a worry. This will only be used for day time purposes.

[kingofnobbys]

If you like plug and play : https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Zing-Ear-Z ... SwjvxdCldd

Simple
unplug the fitting from the wall socket or the powerboard
plug in the lamp dimmer in it's place
plug the light fitting into the dimmer
turn the knob til you get the desired output from the basking globe ( heat and light output ), wont work with an MVB.

If you feel confident with wiring : this is easy to install : https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rotary-Dimmer- ... 0005.m1851

Whole job will take a few minutes to install the inline dimmer, a bit of trial and error to get the desired basking spot surface temperature and warm zone temperature, then it's set and forget provided no one plays with the rheostat knob.

KISS is best, my experience is programmable dimmers are more bother than they are worth , but if you like techno gadgets they can be good if set up correctly and are good quality ( most are not ).

[CooperDragon]

The Exo Terra says it has a dimming feature so that may do the trick for you. Just set the probe on the basking site and program it to a range and then it should dim your bulb for you to keep it close to the range. It's important to set the bulb at the right height with the right wattage first so you are getting close to the proper temps as it is (to prevent over dimming) and use the dimmer to just fine tune temps and keep up with ambient changes.