Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just wondering if anyone knows whether the heat offered by the infrared heating bulbs is equivalent to that of the standard basking bulbs? I know that if they are the same wattage, then they should be equivalent in my opinion, but it seems that some just doesnt feel quite as warm.

Stan

The wattage rating of an electrical device is the amount of power it consumes and is a product of the current multiplied by the voltage. Just because two different devices consume the same amount power doesn't mean they produce the same amount of thermal energy. In general, clear or light colored bulbs produce more heat than red bulbs of the same wattage. Which device or wattage should one use? The answer is simple: which ever device produces the correct enclosure and/or basking temperatures. Using red bulbs or non-light emitting ceramic heating elements (CHE) will decrease algae growth but in general are less efficient than clear or light colored bulbs.

Mr. White,

Thanks for the response. Mainly, I was wondering because I switch my alligators light to infrared basking light at night-time. I just noticed that it didn't give off quite the same amount of heat. Unfortunately I can't find 250W bulbs ANYWHERE!! However, I will look for some online. Soooo, I am just kinda stuck. If anything I can just add the red bulb plus the ceramic and that should do him fine. He should be fine because their basking temperature if I am correct will drop a bit at night anyhow. But I just want to make sure he has adequate heat all around.

Thanks again for the response.

Stan

Another option you may want to consider is a radiant heating panel. I have three of them in use and they are great. They are designed for heat, not light, and consequantly are a much more energy efficient way of heating an enclosure. In addition, they are water tight so a splash will not hurt them, as it will a hot light bulb. I use a 150 watt panel as sole source of heat in a 96 cu foot cage (4 x 8 x 3) and it keeps it a nice and toasty 85 deg F.

The source I use is linked.
Habitat Systems

Bill,

Thanks for that info. I think that is exactly what I am going to try. Thanks for the link as well.

Stan