whats the best bulb?

[japcarsBrett]

Hi all just wondering what is the best bulb to get for the basking spot? right now im using a 75w exo terra that doesn't last that long imo has anyone got any suggestions on which bulb would be best for good heat and last a long time.
its for a 4ft viv btw so i need a good heat source. also this is the internet site i use see if anyone can let me know what would be best to buy.
http://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/reptile-supplies/reptile-lighting-415/reptile-heat-bulbs-1226.html
Thanks

 

[Kajolic]

There is not "best" bulb you can buy. If it is used for a basking bulb only and not using a Mercury Vapor Bulb (MVB) to produce UVB and D3, then any clear halogen or incandescent bulb will do the trick.

As long as you're reaching the basking temperature required based of the age of the Bearded Dragon, you will be golden. Nothing different from a $30 bulb and a $1 bulb.

 

[stangbanger]

i dont like halogens for beardies....in my experience, my beardie wont go to any part of their enclosures that is lower than 84 degrees....in a 4ft viv, if you use a halogen for the basking spot, the heat is too direct....you will get your basking temp, but your cool side will be too cool (unless the ambient room temp is already in the low 80s)....i once got a basking spot of 130 with a 75w halogen, and still retained a cool side of 76 that my beardies would not even touch.....switched to an incandescent and resolved this problem instantly because they radiate more heat outwards, rather than focusing the heat in one area

theres no way to tell you what wattage you need...you just need to experiment based on your setup...ambient room temps matter a lot too....my vivs use a 100w basking bulb at full strength