Changing from a 75w to 100w bulb.

[IramBa]

Hi,
I have a nearly 4 year old Panther male and I was getting a bit suspicious that his basking branch wasnt quite hot enough. I tested it today and it got to around 25.6 C after 25 minutes. Im currently using a 75w Arcaida solar basking floodlight bulb and I'm going to buy a dimming thermostat today, would I be ok to upgrade to a 100w Arcadia solar basking floodlight bulb? the dimmer should dim it down to a safe level regardless right? I just dont want to risk it being too much heat even with the dimmer. Maybe that isn't how they work.

Thank you!

 

[Beman]

In most cases it is safer to increase your ambient room temp. Especially in winter. With a stronger wattage bulb you get more thermal burn risks. This is more of a possibility if the branch sits too close. Also you have to account for where your chameleon rises off that branch. If you are testing temps at the branch and getting an 80 degree temp then where the cham rises off the branch it will easily sit a few degrees warmer.

 

[IramBa]

Is there even more of a risk if I'm using a dimmer? I was under the impression that it would dim the bulb to keep the temperature the same regardless of the wattage.
My ambient room temp is between 22 and 23, so the basking branch is only getting around 3.5 degrees hotter than this. I have the bulb in a fixture with a clamp so it sits about 4 inches above the mesh.
Thank you for your response as always.

 

[Beman]

Is there even more of a risk if I'm using a dimmer? I was under the impression that it would dim the bulb to keep the temperature the same regardless of the wattage.
My ambient room temp is between 22 and 23, so the basking branch is only getting around 3.5 degrees hotter than this. I have the bulb in a fixture with a clamp so it sits about 4 inches above the mesh.
Thank you for your response as always.

So honestly it will depend on what type of dimmer you get... If you get something like a herpstat that fully controls the temp at the basking branch and you set that temp for 82-83 degrees. then where the cham rises up will stay about 85-86 easily. Even with use of one of these you have to make sure your distances are good. I lifted mine 4 inches off the top and then had a 9 inch distance to the branch from the screen. I did use a 100 watt bulb. What you have to remember is if you do not have the distances than when the fixture kicks on it will ramp to the highest use of the wattage in it. So it will be strong because it is trying to get to that temp that is set. This is where you can have the thermal burn risk because it is a stronger wattage. Now I never had an issue but I was more than cautious with my distances and making sure the fixture was lifted.

Your basking temp is within range currently sitting at 80 at the branch. Your looking for 80-85 for basking.

What is he doing that has you concerned that your temps are not warm enough? With him being older and it being winter it could be as simple as the winter blues or something else going on.

 

[IramBa]

He just seemed more... Lazy? Like staying at the top branches for longer, looking a bit darker and more slumped. But, it could be that it's winter and that has a part to play in it too. I got a Habistat pro dimmer, I'm happy to use it even if it wasn't completely necessary because it will give me that peace of mind that it doesnt get too hot in the summer even if it does nothing right now .
I think I'll use the dimmer with the 75w bulb and see how I get on. Hopefully it'll get warmer soon too!

Thanks again, Beman.

 

[Beman]

He just seemed more... Lazy? Like staying at the top branches for longer, looking a bit darker and more slumped. But, it could be that it's winter and that has a part to play in it too. I got a Habistat pro dimmer, I'm happy to use it even if it wasn't completely necessary because it will give me that peace of mind that it doesnt get too hot in the summer even if it does nothing right now .
I think I'll use the dimmer with the 75w bulb and see how I get on. Hopefully it'll get warmer soon too!

Thanks again, Beman.

Start out with the 75 watt bulb. Your herpstat should show the temp so you will be able to see how fast it gets up to temp and how stable it stays at temp with the 75 watt. They are wonderful and I highly recommend them for year round use.

 

[IramBa]

I'm not sure why I never got one before to be honest. Thanks for all your help!

 

[Beman]

I'm not sure why I never got one before to be honest. Thanks for all your help!

Anytime.