Infrared HeatGlo for basking?

[kevinspacey1]

Is Exo Terra Infrared HeatGlo 100W a good basking lamp for a 60 Gallon Tank?

I changed my Reptiglo 10.0 for a ReptiSun 10.0 like you guys said. I'm wondering if I should also change my basking lamp for a better one.

Any suggestion will be appreciated!

 

[diamc]

What are you using for a basking bulb now? A colored bulb is really not recommended as they do much better under a bright white basking bulb. It gives them more energy so it also helps increase their appetites. The colored bulbs are also hard on their eyes I've heard.

 

[hockeyballz30]

agreed, a bright white basking bulb is your best option, not only for viewing purposes but for the dragon as well. They love brightness, it will make them more active and will not hurt their eyes, i have also heard colored light annoys them. i personally use Mercury Vapor Bulbs but they have cage requirements with height and tank size.

 

[kevinspacey1]

Yes, I used an infrared as a basking bulb for the last 8 months (I'm not trusting any pet store seller anymore, you guys seem to know better).

So anyway, should I buy another basking bulb in addition to my ReptiSun? An what kind of basking bulb do you suggest?

Thanks!

 

[diamc]

The Repti-Sun you're talking about is the fluorescent UVB, right? If so, that's not considered a basking bulb as it doesn't really throw out heat. I suggest you get rid of the infrared and use a bright white basking bulb instead, in fact, you can even use a standard household lightbulb and adjust the temps with changing the bulb wattage. It's really not necessary to pay the extra money for a reptile basking bulb.

 

[kevinspacey1]

I finally bought a 100W Sun Glo Tight Beam.

Is this bulb good for basking?

 

[diamc]

Yes, that's a good basking bulb. Make sure that you have the Repti-Sun and the Sun Glo right alongside each other so your beardie can get the benefits of both bulbs while he is basking. Just to make sure, do you have the UVB about 6 to 8" from him? What are the basking & cool side temps with the Sun Glo and are you using either a temp gun or digital with a probe end to check the temps?

 

[hockeyballz30]

i think someone already posted it, but for extra heat purposes, regular bulbs could be used. Even though they sell "special" heat reptile bulbs. Its really just to make more money. Regular household bulbs give off the heat and the uv and brightness that a dragon needs....this of course if it is along side a reptisun which you have. For future purchases to help you out, and save some money. To use just one bulb, i recommend MVB or Active UV heat which gives off the heat needed as well as the UVB. They really are incredible bulbs.

 

[kevinspacey1]

The basking spot is 9" from the ReptiSun and the Sun Glo. The temperatures are 110-115 for the basking spot, 85-90 for the hot side and 70-75 for the cold side. I used an ExoTerra analog thermometer for the temps.

 

[hockeyballz30]

analog thermometers can be up to 20 degrees off. I suggest getting a digital probe or temp gun to properly manage temps.

 

[diamc]

hockeyballz30 is exactly right, the analog thermometers can be 20 degrees off so if your basking temp reads 115 on the analog, it could actually be 135 degrees in the basking area which is dangerous. And with the analog reading of 90, it could actually be 110 which means he can't thermo-regulate properly. Temps to that extreme can cause rapid dehydration which can cause heat stroke, brain damage & even death. Please invest in either a temp gun or digital with long wire & probe end right away so you can get accurate readings because the Sun Glo bulbs throw off a lot of heat. Your basking temp with a good thermometer should be about 100 and up to 110 but no higher and the cool side 75 to 85 with 80 being ideal.