Reptile & Amphibian Forums

For those of you who have large enclosures how do you control temps??? Do you have those flat-faced or curved heat emiters and leave them on? I have a timer for the lights that goes into an electrical box like a light switch. I've been looking for something similar in a heat control but I can't figure out how to describe what I want at the electrical supply houses. It seems to me that if I could figue out how to wire one of the Biostat or ESU thermostats directly in line they would work. I don't think I want to take one apart...it may not go back together. What do you think???

Mike B

I use one 250W infrared heat bulb that I get at Fleet Farm for about $4.00 on the hot side (which is really cheap compared to a $30 heat emitter, and it only gives off a minimal red glow) and a 75W night glo on the cool side 24/7. Then, during the day a white day-glo bulb on each side, as well as the fluorescent flips on (timer). I change the wattage of the whites according to the external temps, which can be a pain in the arse. Ideally, there would be some type of automatic rheostat which could lower or raise the watts being poured into each bulb accordingly. But, for now, this system works fine. I have several thermometers throughout to ensure that I have the correct temps. It sounds like tegus are pretty hard, so if you are off by a couple degrees every now and then I don't htink it will be the end of the world. That's my two pesos.
JonV

I use A couple of different basking sites. There is one that is 100 watts and gets about 108 - 110 degress . It is on the right side of the middle of the cage. Then I have a160 watt mercury vaper From Big apple,and a 120 watt basking light on the other side of the cage. The basking light is at 120 degress, the mercury vaper is about 110 degress. There right nexit to each other . I have the basking lights ( not the mercury vaper) on ESU thermastates . When the cage hits 85 in the coolest part it shuts the basking lights off. The mercury vaper is Self balesting , so you don`t use thermastates or dimmers on them . I have dimmers o the two basking bulbs, So I can adjust them to keep them at this temp. I use A temp gun from Pro Exotics To set the basking lights at the temp Im looking for.I also have a 150 watt ceramic heater in the cage on 24/7 . It is on a thermastate also . It only turns the heater on if the cage goes below 80. In the burrow/ hide box I have another 150 watt ceramic heater that is set to turn on if it drops below 77. It is also on a thermastate, and is on 24/7. The basking lights are on the same timer as the other cage lights . 13 hrs of light a day . Hope this helps Russ