Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello!
I've got a 75-gallon aquarium that I'm going to use for the next few months for 2 baby Burmese. I need some good advice on what type of heat source & control to use, and where to get these items online.

It has a screen top with a 4 ft flourescent light fixture enclosed in a 3-sided wood box. Right now I'm using strips of cardboard to cover the open mid sections of the top (what the light doesn't cover)to help keep heat & humidity in, and both ends of the top can get air to create a flow. I'm using a 100 watt incandescent bulb in lamp placed at one end, on the outside of the aquarium, for heat, now.

I'm not rich, by any means, but I do like to do things right. What I would like to do is make this setup self-efficient by getting some type of heater, thermostat, and timer for the lights, or maybe someone here has a better idea.

What type of heat source, thermostat and timer brand?

Thank you very much for your time & help! It is very much appreciated.

Here's a link to a different view: http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/index.php?photo=167199&user=72548

Check out www.beanfarm.com and look for Temperature Control.

You have options. The least expensive is to use one high-enough wattage heat lamp (spot heat lamps are great) and use the A-Life ON/OFF controller (around $40). Use a second, lower-wattage bulb that stays on all of the time to help keep the cooler side of the cage above 75 deg. This setup is effective, inexpensive and protects against overheating.

The best setup is to use ceramic heat emiiters or a radiant heat panel and a Helix or Big Apple proportional controller. This setup will cost a good $200 or so.

If the setup is temporary, the first option is fine.
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Mark

Thank you, very much, Mark!
That's just the type of answer I was looking for.

Seeing as how this setup will hopefully be for only a few months I'll take the cheap route and save the ultimate route for my planned future build.

Have a good weekend!

HH
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