Basking Bulb Recommendations

[Chengalang]

I have a hanging mini deep dome fixture over the basking area and with the 75 watt I'm getting roughly 105 directly under the bulb, but only about 1-2 inches away the temp drops down to around 90-95. I originally purchased the ZooMed 75 watt. The 100 watt version will run me about $12 for a pack of two. I've read about people using regular bulbs, spot lights, flood lights, etc. but most of the post are from a while back. What's everyone's recommendations for a hanging mini deep dome setup above a mesh top or what type of bulb are you currently using?

 

[AHBD]

Hi there....a lot of people use the Halogen flood bulbs, usually par 38 but there are other brands + different wattages.

 

[charmander16]

If you use a Halogen flood light you really need to be able to move it back some distance from the basking spot. Those lights generate more heat, and will often be too hot close up, and they also actually have a narrow beam than traditional basking lights.

However, you can get them to create a wider warm spot by moving them farther away. Their main advantages are #1 that they are dimmiable, so you can adjust their temps without having to adjust their range (to a point) and also you can put them on a dimmer-timer to have them go on and off gradually. #2 They tend to last longer so one bulb may last 3 or 4 years as opposed to the 6 months to 1 year for a basking bulb.

 

[AHBD]

You have a mini deep dome so that would be on top of the screen I would assume ? So there will be a number of bulbs you can choose from. The tight beam basking reptile bulbs are really the ones that cause a narrow beam concentrated in one area. There have even been threads in the E.R. where beardies were burned by them, especially because they just hang down from the top of the tank. I think a halogen or other household bulb does a much better job, it's just finding the right wattage.

 

[Chengalang]

Thanks for all the replies! Gonna go to Target and pick up some Halogen Par38 bulbs instead. PetSmart had two 100 watt for $20, no chance. For wattage I can shoot a little over and just adjust with the lamp stand I have if the heat is too intense.

 

[AHBD]

That's good, and you can tilt it a bit so it shines over more area. BTW, you can pick up good aluminum dome reflelectors at most home improvement stores ,Agway or Tractor supply.

 

[Chengalang]

That's good, and you can tilt it a bit so it shines over more area. BTW, you can pick up good aluminum dome reflelectors at most home improvement stores ,Agway or Tractor supply.

Awesome idea with tilting it, thanks! If I move my beardie to a bigger tank I'll look into getting a dome from a home improvement store. Probably way cheaper that way.