Anyone use a CHE for their basking emitter, or just for nigh

[Fal]

Hi folks, well questions in the title?

Does anyone use a ceramic heat emitter for their bd's basking spot? Or does everyone use them for night time only? Our new viv has two full length (42") strip lights - one will be a repti-sun 10.0 UVB strip and the other a white light strip to keep it nice and bright in there, so we got a CHE for the basking spot so as not to glare out of the viv at us when observing Draco... (and also so we can keep the heat on at night without disturbing his sleep should the temp drop outside - we get cold winters lol). Is this ok though? Anyone else use them like this?

Cheers in advance folks

Jon

 

[diamc]

Hi Jon. It really isn't a good idea to use a CHE in place of a basking bulb for 2 reasons, beardies do better with bright white bulbs, the brighter the better and because a white basking bulb helps reduce the glare of the fluorescent UVB, makes it much easier on the eyes. You also want to make sure that the UVB and basking bulb are right alongside each other so that your beardie can get the benefit of both at the same time. If you had a real large tank and found out that you needed more heat when already using a white basking bulb, then you could use the CHE along with it. Hope this helps answer all your questions.

 

[Fal]

Thanks Diane, it does. Our set up is as follows:

---------------------------- UV
...O Basking CHE (soon to be light) (had to use full stops to move 'O' along)

...so he certainly will have enough UV as it's right above the basking and runs the whole length of the tank (and doesn't pass through any glass - of course - or even mesh as it is on the inside - on the ceiling).

I'll go get a lamp today. I reckon it'll be easier to heat as well and won't be working the thermostat at max temp as I've now read that CHE's give off shallow heat/don't project it as far so have to be lower!

Thanks again

 

[diamc]

You're welcome. Not sure you were aware or not but you can even use standard household light bulbs for the basking bulb which are much cheaper.

 

[Fal]

Yeah we have one in the small viv. Found that out on this forum of course

Cheers

Jon