Is a 100w bulb too high?

[KatCham]

Hi,

As you know, we've built Simba a new enclosure.

I've been sat for the last few hours in the sitting room and noticed his basking temp doesn't seem to be going above 26C with a 60W bulb, which is suspended slightly above the top of the enclosure so it isn't in contact with the mesh (so it doesn't get too hot-risk of burns if he manages to get up there) Basking branch is about 6/7" from the bulb

I'm wondering if it'll be safe to use a 100W bulb?

I'll go and get one tonight if it'll be ok. Want to make sure his temps are right, but don't want to cook him. Basking light is on a dimming thermostat

 

[DavidBuchan]

I use a 100W bulb for Rinty, you have a big enough viv for it
Keep an eye when the weather gets warmer though, with an all-glass front it might well get too hot with a 100 in the summer

 

[KatCham]

Oh right, cool. Thanks for that hun. I'll go n get a couple of 100w bulbs then (always worth having a spare )

Cheers x

 

[KatCham]

Was too late getting to b and q tonight coz of NY hours but I'm deffo
Gonna get the 100w bulbs tomorrow!

Basking temp did eventually hit 30C but at half 7pm, 30mins before it switches off! No good if he only has half an hour to bask at the correct temp!

He even climbed up onto the mesh on the 'ceiling' as part of his exploring so couldn't help but wonder if he was after being warmer.

Hoping 100w bulb puts temps up to where they should be by midday, then dimming thermostat there to stop it getting too hot

 

[KatCham]

100W bulb did the trick

Within 10mins of putting it on basking temp was up to 32.9C/ around 91F
Turned the dial on the dimming thermostat down so that it doesn't get too hot.

Will have to keep tweaking it till it levels out.

I keep reading different info re basking spots. Some are around 90Ffor adult males but then others are 85F

What do you keep your panthers at???

 

[Chameleonmaster]

When I first got my chameleon I put a 100w bulb in there and I read the thermometer and it said 120
Degrees the I put a 40w and its at mid 90s. Do you guys know why my temps are higher then yours?

 

[KatCham]

Might have something to do with location? I imagine it'll be a lot warmer where you are than in the UK? I think the room temp in general must affect the basking temp.

I have 60W bulbs for the Summer when the room temp will go up and so I don't think I'll need the stronger 100W bulb then. We'll see.

 

[Kate]

Popeye seems to be happy at 84-85 very wary as he got a thermal burn this time last year. Still feel so guilty.

 

[KatCham]

Must have done something right as ever since the new bulb went in he's just hung round his basking spot As long as it stays between 90F and 95F (32 AND 35C) I think he'll be happy

 

[KatCham]

So is 95 too high then? It's quite confusing this. Some keepers have their adult males basking at 90, some 95, others 85.

Don't want to cook the poor fella but want it to be hot enough for him too

 

[Kate]

I would say that 85 is fine for me. It also depends on the type of viv you have. Mine is wood with glass doors and screen top, so less ventalation than all screen.

 

[KatCham]

Mine is wood with glass doors too.

50" High by 36" wide by 16" deep. Have replaced the top section with all mesh to improve ventilation so I'm now thinking between 85-90 should be ok?

Would be interested in everyone else's temps. Think I'll post another thread asking the question direct.

Thanks Kate xxx