Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a hatchling and yearling in a 10 gal tank (temporary housing).

Until today, I was using a 60 watt white bulb to heat the tank (82 degrees). However, the light had to stay on all day to keep the tank warm and the snakes would hide all the time. Today, I bought a 75 watt infrared bulb which is keeping the tank a little warmer (85 degrees) and a little darker. The thought is that the IR bulb will promote a little more activity (with the room lights off). In a month or so I plan to transfer the animals to a 40 gal and use an under-the-tank heater. Until then, I only want to use lights to heat the tank.

Will the IR bulb harm the animals? Has anyone else used an IR bulb to promote increased activity?

Thanks for the help!

Alan

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http://www.jackieandalan.com

but I would not use the lights as a primary heat source when you switch over. You made a good descision to not have white light on all the time. That could have stressed the animal out a lot. And they will not harm the animal in any way unless they touch it and get burned.