Other than the obvious wattage capacity, what difference does the size of reflector (5.5" vs 8.5" vs 10" ) make when using a ceramic heat element?
db
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Clamp on light/heat fixture question
rekadan
Nov 22, 2008 10:35 AM
Replies (1)
Chris_Harper2
Nov 24, 2008 12:14 PM
One issue I can think of is whether the actual lamp fixture is made of plastic or ceramic. The plastic fixtures should not be used with ceramic heating elements even if they fall within acceptable wattage ranges.
The other issue is the amount of space between the element and aluminum walls. If the edges of the heater are too close then heat can pass through the aluminum conductively, making them less efficient.
In general the more space you have between the edges of the heater and the aluminum the less heat loss you will have, and therefore the more heat that will be radiated downwards. There is a point of dimishing returns but I'm not exactly sure where it is.
Personally I think the larger reflectors and higher wattage fixtures are worth it if you have the space.
And avoid the plastic fixtures at all costs.
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Currently keeping:
6.10 Gonyosoma oxycephalum (Javan, mixed colors)
1.1 Philodryas baroni
1.1 Lampropeltis triangulum multistriata
1.0 Rhodesian Ridgeback
