What wattage basking bulb should I use?

[chris16371]

I just finished my 5x2x2 enclosure and my basking temp doesn't go above 92. I'm currently using a 100 watt zoo med basking bulb from his old 40 breeder. His basking spot is approx 14 inches from bulb. Would the 150w be enough or should I go with the 250w? I have the 100 on a dimmer but its not dimmed at all. Should I just go with the 250 and dim if its to hot? Dimming a 250 down to 150 would give off just as much light and heat as non dimmed 150 correct? If so I would just assume to buy the 250 just to be safe and not have to make another trip to the pet store. I know there is probably better basking bulbs then zoo med but I can't order one and make him wait a week at only 92 degrees and I can buy zoo med locally.

 

[Drache613]

Moved by Moderator from General to Enclosures

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

I think the 150 watt should be adequate for a 40 gallon tank, at 14 inches from him. AT 92, that is just about there, you need the 95-110 range.
The 250 watt would most likely be too much unless you were going to use the dimmer on it to help.
I have personally never used a dimmer but dimming it that much would probably affect the brightness a little bit.

Tracie

 

[chris16371]

He is not in a 40 gallon anymore. He is in a 5'x2'x2'. That's why the 100w isn't doing it for me anymore. Don't know if the 150 is strong enough for the size enclosure he is in now.

 

[CooperDragon]

If you can dim the 250 it should work but that's potentially cutting a lot of power which may cause it to flicker or act strangely. I've used a 150w in my 36x18x18 and it has worked well. I got readings of around 104 at the basking spot with the fixture set 19'' above the floor of the tank.