Che lights

[Kenzie35]

I was looking around at different CHEs and found that there are both black and white. Is there a difference besides color? Is one better than the other? I'm collecting things to set up my terrarium for a new baby/juvenile beardie. I'm ready to try again after my Mushu passed but I want the new guy's home to be completely set up with everything he needs before I go get him. I still have all Mushu's lights and everything but his carpet and his favorite toy so I think all I need is the carpet, going to get a new reptisun tube uvb that goes in a hood, the heat emmiters and a timer this time to be sure the lights are on at the same times. Is there anything else you guys think I may need before bringing a new guy home? Mushu's set up had everything required except the few things put here and a red night light, that is going away, now that I know they are not good for him.

 

[NBGwen]

I've used both and I think it is just a colour difference. I've noticed no difference in the heat output or quality...and Amazon has them for awesome prices (I'm in Canada). Just make sure to get the correct wattage for the space you want heated. My CHEs stay on 24/7 and haven't burnt out yet (bought them in June 2016).

 

[CooperDragon]

Yeah I'm not sure there is a difference. The CHEs burn quite hot though so I prefer using the megaray heat projector bulbs which produce a good amount of heat overnight but the fixture remains just slightly warm because all of the heat (lower wattage required) is directed downward. They can easily be managed using a pulse thermostat as well so you can provide just what you need for overnight heat.

 

[NBGwen]

Yeah I'm not sure there is a difference. The CHEs burn quite hot though so I prefer using the megaray heat projector bulbs which produce a good amount of heat overnight but the fixture remains just slightly warm because all of the heat (lower wattage required) is directed downward. They can easily be managed using a pulse thermostat as well so you can provide just what you need for overnight heat.

Oo I hadn't heard of those before! I'm going to have to check in on it. I keep my CHEs on 24/7 because I worry about heat loss in the enclosure I have - the doors and top are mesh so the heat can escape quite easily.

 

[CooperDragon]

I have the same issue, especially during winter because I like keeping the house cold and there is no top on the enclosure. The basking and heat projector lamps are hooked up to a programmable thermostat so they just kick in as needed to keep everything within spec. Certainly a luxury but it's quite nice to have. Here is a link to the heat projector http://www.reptileuv.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=196 I have one over my roach colony too.

 

[NBGwen]

hmm...never thought of using a thermostat instead of a timer...

The price doesn't look too bad, I'll have to see what the shipping is. I've only been able to find one other spot (quick google search) for one from ebay and it was double the price. I'd have to get two (Charlie has two basking areas and tends to sleep in either tree LOL). Mind you, my CHEs are on top of the metal mesh of the enclosure so there's no risk of burning her, but something easier on the power bill is always worth it.

 

[NBGwen]

Quick question - it says it's infra-red, does it actually produce a red light?

 

[CooperDragon]

This is the thermostat I use. There are a lot of different brands/options though. https://beanfarm.com/products/herpstat-2-proportional-thermostat?variant=24905373513

No it doesn't produce visible light (the ceramic element inside has a slight orange glow when it gets hot) just infrared (like the CHE) which isn't visible.

 

[NBGwen]

Awesome. I'll definitely have to invest in a couple then. Thanks!

Yikes! I'll have to wait on a thermostat though...that's pricey. Worth it I imagine, but I'm broke...(for now)