Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Any reason I can't put a dimmer switch on an under tank heater? I've got one that is consistently about 5 degrees hotter than I want it to be.

I remember something about some devices that you can't use a dimmer with, but maybe it was a fluorescent lamp or something like that.

Thanks.
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0.1 Lampropeltis Getula Floridana
1.0 Elaphe Guttata Slowinskii

>> but maybe it was a fluorescent lamp or something like that.

You are correct - most fluorescent lamps cannot be used with a dimmer, although some newer ones can be.

Most resistive loads (such as used in UTH's and incandescent light bulbs) work well with standard lamp dimmers (rheostats) or those specifically made for the task by ZooMed and the like (also simple rheostats).

Dimmers work great. That's actually what I'm using with the UTH on my kingsnake's cage, since it's the only kingsnake I have and my other snakes need their rheostats turned up higher than he does.

The dimmers I've found cost about $10 at Home Depot.

~Jenny
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"Polysyllabism in no way insures that what you're saying is actually worth being heard." - Blake (an e-friend of mine)

"I have never made but one prayer to god, a very short one: "O lord, make my enemies ridiculous." And he granted it." - Voltaire

dimmers work well for uth's but they are not like a thermostat that will hold a certain temp. when your room temp changes the uth temp may change too. so keep a check on the uth temp and adjust your dimmer as necessary. Rin