Humidity Killing Bulbs?

[TheFotus]

I must preface, I do not keep chameleons, but your forums have been very helpful for my research. I am working on building a Vine Snake enclosure (you might recognize them as the judgmental shoe lace). The enclosure has to have between 75% and 90% humidity, generally staying closer to 85%. I am concerned that the high humidity levels will shorten the life span of either the lamp or the bulb itself. Does anyone have any experience with something like this happening? Do I need to get special humidity rated equipment? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ERKleRose]

Exo Terra makes splash and mist resistant bulbs called Swamp Basking Spot bulbs if you’re looking for heat bulbs

 

[TheFotus]

Do those bulbs need to go into a special lamp or does any old lamp work?

 

[ERKleRose]

Zoo Meds’s ReptiTuff heat bulb is splash-proof, too. Will the mist/water get all the way into the light socket?

 

[TheFotus]

I'm not certain. The enclosure is 43" tall internally, there will be a waterfall, but quite far down, about a foot from the bulb and socket. The only water they would experience is vapor from the humidity, and maybe fog from the fogger

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

I must preface, I do not keep chameleons, but your forums have been very helpful for my research. I am working on building a Vine Snake enclosure (you might recognize them as the judgmental shoe lace). The enclosure has to have between 75% and 90% humidity, generally staying closer to 85%. I am concerned that the high humidity levels will shorten the life span of either the lamp or the bulb itself. Does anyone have any experience with something like this happening? Do I need to get special humidity rated equipment? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

If the basking light is physically outside the enclosure as it is with chameleons, it shouldn't be a problem—humidity is generally retained inside the enclosure, and the heat of a bulb/light drives RH downward (high temp=low humidity & vice versa). But if it really concerns you, you could use an outdoor fixture & bulb.