ceramic bulb for heat yes or no

[NW chameleon]

How do you guys feel about the ceramic heat bulbs for the basking area. I was thinking about getting one and was wondering your guys thoughts.

 

[Hoj]

The ceramic bulbs are more for use when heat is required but not light. Having the basking bulb put off the heat and light is more natural. IMO

 

[Raphael1047]

The ceramic bulbs are more for use when heat is required but not light. Having the basking bulb put off the heat and light is more natural. IMO

I agree with this. It is also cheaper, a good wattage flood light (this is what i use) is like 3-7 bucks, while the ceramic bulbs are 18-28 bucks.

 

[Kate]

As I understand it chams are attracted to the light linking it with the sun so house bulb is fine. I have both but the ceramic wont kick in unless nighttime temps drop below 60.

 

[slinko9]

So you just have the ceramic hooked up to a thermostat??? Brilliant!!!!

 

[Kate]

So you just have the ceramic hooked up to a thermostat??? Brilliant!!!!

Yes. Habastat pulse proportional. It has already reached 0c outside and we don't keep heating on in house overnight.

 

[slinko9]

Definitely gunna be looking into that!!!!
0c days and nights are just around the corner here!!!!!

 

[Sleaper88]

Yes. Habastat pulse proportional. It has already reached 0c outside and we don't keep heating on in house overnight.

What wattage ceramic bulb do you use?? Been thinking of getting 1 myself!!!

 

[Kate]

What wattage ceramic bulb do you use?? Been thinking of getting 1 myself!!!

100watt. I have a large wood /glass/ screen viv.

 

[bradley]

In the UK everyone generally uses a thermostat on whatever heat source be it a normal household spot light or a ceramic. It just keeps temps how we want them. In America you position the bulb closer or further away to get the correct temperature.

 

[Moosma]

thermostat for guidance

In the USA, how would I go about srtting up that way? Thanks.

 

[Dr O]

In the USA, how would I go about srtting up that way? Thanks.

I've been happy with the Zoo Med 500R rheostat for occasional cham use but mostly for my beardie and insect breeding tanks. very handy for bugs since it has 2 outlets to control 2 heating pads at a time. I twist tie the probe for whatever digital thermometer I'm using to its probe, and just place it where you want to monitor, adjust the dial to get to right temp, and pretty much leave it at that. have held up well too. there's many other similar and probably cheaper options available.

http://zoomed.com/db/products/EntryDetail.php?EntryID=125&DatabaseID=2&SearchID=5

 

[fluxlizard]

It just keeps temps how we want them. In America you position the bulb closer or further away to get the correct temperature.

Not me- I live in the land of the free (lol joke) so I allow my lizards the freedom to position *themselves* closer or further away from the bulb to be the correct temperature. Rather than the other way around (me positioning the bulb closer or further away or using a thermostat to control the temp).

In seriousness- I think this is a big part of my view on correct husbandry when it comes to temperature and lighting. Wild lizards don't have basking sites 88.6 degrees all day every day. Temps fluctuate and lizards sometimes want to be warmer than 88.6 and sometimes cooler depending on their needs at the moment. Giving a lizard one stick with a light shining on it where the temperature is 88.6 or whatever in my opinion shouldn't be the goal. Giving a lizard several sticks at varying distances under that light where temperatures range from 90 something down to 80 or whatever with many temperatures in between always available allows the lizard to be free and move closer and further away to be the correct temperature for any given moment...

Other ways can be successful- but my way is easier, more natural, and allows the lizard self control and freedom to get what it needs as far as temperature goes, which changes from moment to moment- not forcing it to have what I think it might need and limiting it's choice to that.