I need to have a little heat at night for my cham.

[mirrinias]

Hey guys, it's finally getting quite cold here, and I realized that it's 65 degrees in my room! (which as far as I know, is pretty much the lowest temp I should go for my chameleon). It costs too much to heat the whole room, so I want to add heat to my guy's cage at night.

After browsing other threads, everyone is recommending a ceramic heat emitter, but for me right now it is way too expensive, and the petsmart I work in doesn't sell them. There has to be a cheaper option. I was thinking I could maybe paint a 40 watt bulb black, but was worried about the safety, if the paint could handle the heat.

I'd like to know your thoughts, thanks.

 

[Kate]

I understand that chams benefit from a drop in temp during the night. They can be quite happy with temps as low as 55. I don't know about a bulb painted black perhaps someone can help with that. I have a ceramic heat emitter which is plugged into a thermostat which kicks in if temps drop too low overnight.

 

[Decadancin]

I would not use a bulb. Ceramic heat emitters are the way to go, but I wouldn't worry at 65 degrees. Many of the keepers here in Florida have their guys outside in cooler temps and do not bring them in until it gets much cooler. I'd also be concerned what type of gasses the paint may release (especially with heating) so I don't think I would do this. Start saving now for the heat emitter, and by the time you really need it, you will have a safer option.

 

[slinko9]

Ya,,,I wouldnt trust a painted bulb,,,plus any light at night would probably interfere in your chams precious sleep!!!
Ive seen them in Petsmarts up here,,,so maybe slipping in an order form for one might work!!!!

 

[camimom]

65 at night is just fine for your cham.
they can handle temp drops down to 50 at night, so long as they have a good basking temp and site to warm up in the mornings.

 

[mirrinias]

Thanks guys, I'm glad to know my little guy is safe at night at those temperatures.

 

[reefercheefer]

get a small space heater from walmart for like 20$ or find one on craigslist cheap

 

[Decadancin]

get a small space heater from walmart for like 20$ or find one on craigslist cheap

This can work, but you don't want it too close to the enclosure. You want the entire space warmer rather than direct heat on the cham. Its more difficult to regulate temps this way.

 

[camimom]

a temp drop to 65 at night is just fine people. relax.

 

[coldbloodedAL]

a temp drop to 65 at night is just fine people. relax.

Camimom is right... I dont even begin to worry until nightime temps are in the low 50s...

 

[yeahbuddy661]

Dude 65 is great for night temps. Dont ever use heat at night unless temp drops to low 50's . even 55-60 is ok.