Halogen (GU10) lighting?

[SliK JiM]

Hi,

Just looking to see if anyone is using halogen light bulbs above their enclosures? I want to use 50W GU10 halogen lightbulbs and am looking at a simple halogen bulb holder hanging above the enclosure.

My main concern is that this will overheat (and quickly) so wanted to see if anyone had any experience!?

It will have plenty of 'space' around it so heat can dissipate easily but having a quick 'test' go, after 5 minutes it was very warm. The holder is rated for 50W GU10 halogen bulbs so it should 'techinically' be safe but I'm still worried!

Any thoughts?

Much appreciated!

James

 

[ataraxia]

I would think it is ok. They do get warm and i just tested a house fixture that has some. The distance from the basking spot will have to be 12 inches or so depending on your room ambient temps.

If your worried though...Personally just buy a normal fixture and house bulb.

 

[Miss Lily]

When I had my first cham, I tried these in the dual top on her viv as the Exo Terra ones are hugely expensive. I found that they were way too hot for her so I had to pay out again for the specific reptile one. I don't see why they can't be used if you can get the right temps though, they are much cheaper!

 

[PREACHAP]

seems like you know enough with what your doing, as far as regulating and controlling the light, heated area. I know that I myself have been in a vicious circle with those damn repti sun lights, the P.O.S. basking light they provide has burnt out twice within 8 months, which might be about right, idk. so im looking at going to different light setups,

 

[SliK JiM]

I've got plenty of space to run the bulbs themselves, just concerned that the 'housing' just doesn't seem as 'rugged' as I'd expect and gets pretty warm pretty quickly! I'll probably run a trial bulb outside all day or something so that if it does catch fire, my house won't burn down! Won't cost anything really but will give me great peace of mind before giving it a go indoors!