Yes, it is okay to use household bulbs. The only thing you need to know is that it has to be "bright white" bulb. Alot of people use the halogen flood lights.
The only ones to avoid would be the colored ones, of course. I'm not absolutely sure, but I think the energy saving spiral ones may not get as hot as an ordinary bulb...but like I said I am not sure on that.
ok cool because i made this thing for my beardie but i have the light at an angle and he dosent want to bask up there i think its because its shinning right in his eyes so i want to get one of those light holders from home depot that is only straight down and lower the wattage so it dosent get 2 hot ill probably go with the halogen ones if i can find like a 40 watt or something close it sucks but i think this is what i need to do and i have to get the perfect temps again uggghh o well ill get it thank you so much
Dont use CFL (Compact Florescents) because they produce little to no heat. I would highly recommend using Halogen flood bulbs. Halogen bulbs last longer than standard incandescents and by using a flood bulb you will direct more of the heat towards your reptile, thus, you may not need as high of a wattage.