Floodlights vs basking bulbs

[spurlee01]

We've been using basking bulbs in both our tanks and are thinking about switching to flood lights because of the price. If we switch what wattage should we use? Just a guestimate would be great.
One enclosure is 36"x13"x24" and has a 75 w basking bulb
The other is a 40 gallon breeder and a 100w basking bulb

 

[gulfbrzdawn]

I would go ahead and get the halogen floods in the same watts that your basking lights are. Then you'll just have to check temps and see what works best.

 

[TheVirus]

I'd recommend 45 or 50 watt halogen indoor/outdoor flood bulbs or 65 watt incandescent flood bulbs. The key is to use a lower watt bulb and move the basking spot closer to the bulb, not to use higher watt bulbs and basking sites further away.

 

[spurlee01]

We went to Meijer and looked at light bulbs. We would only save $1-2 per bulb and we'd have to get new fixtures (we don't have deep domes). Now the problem is that in the larger tank a 100w is a bit high and 75w is a bit low. Thanks for the help, though. If we do eventually switch that'll help.
Sara