Posted by:
HappyHillbilly
at Mon May 21 09:27:43 2007 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by HappyHillbilly ]
I use ESU spotlights. They're UVA (even though they're labled as "full spectrum," they're actually not. They don't produce UVB, which some people say Bearded Dragons need).
As far as different brands (ESU, Zoo Med, etc...) I don't have a preference, ESU is about the only brand available in my area. The main difference you should be concerned with is "spotlight" and "floodlight."
Spotlights produce more of a fine, concentrated beam than floodlights. Floodlights produce a wider beam, covering more of an area, but loses some heat/light intensity due to the beam being spread out.
Some keepers of larger basking lizards (monitors, etc...) use floodlights because the lizard's bodies are larger than beardies. But the same coverage can be obtained by using two spotlights.
Now, on to your next question, before you ask it:
"What wattage should I get?"
This depends on your setup. In most cases, a 100-watt spotlight is efficient, but that depends on how far away from the basking spot the bulb will be.
The best way to save time & money when trying to figure out the best bulb for your setup is to go with the highest wattage bulb and place a dimmer switch on the cord so the output can be adjusted.
If you were to get a 150-watt spotlight and place a dimmer switch on the cord, you can easily adjust its output without having to run back & forth to the store to try another size bulb. I seriously doubt that you would ever need anything higher than 150 watts for a beardie setup.
It would only be fair for me to say that some people use mercury vapor bulbs as their UVB & heat source, combined. They're a might be expensive, initially, and some people like them, some don't.
And on the other hand, you could go with something as simple as one or two household incandescent bulbs placed over the basking site, as long as there's some kind of protection to keep a beardie from getting burned by touching the bulb(s). The main drawback with this is that incandescent bulbs will heat up more space, which could easily make the cool end too hot.
Now that I've thoroughly confused you, I'll run along. 
Take care!
HH
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It is said that 1 out of every 4 people are mentally unbalanced. Think of your 3 closest friends, if they're normal, then it's you.
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RE: Pearlco Infra Red Ceramic Heaters - HappyHillbilly, Mon May 21 09:27:43 2007