Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Are halogen bulbs hotter than regular incandescent bulbs watt for watt?
Like is a 100 watt halogen bulb hotter than the same rated 100 watt incandescent bulb .
Thanks.
Lia

>>Are halogen bulbs hotter than regular incandescent bulbs watt for watt?

I have not used halogen bulbs in years, but I do remember them getting hotter on a per-wattage basis.

I also remember them not dispersing the heat around the cage as much as regular incandescents, even the flood versions.
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Current snakes:

0.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.3 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

3.3 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black & Tan)

Thanks. Since they dont disperce heat as well going to stick with reg incandescent.
Thanks.

Yes, halogens typically are hotter for the same wattage as normal incandescents. However, halogens are usually more expensive, often by two dollars or more - depends on size and wattage of bulb. I've always prefered halogens because they throw off a brighter whiter light than most incandescents and because the greater heat output. I've not experienced them having a more localized heating effect though. In fact, in some instances I've found them to have too much of a heating effect and have had to scale the bulb back in wattage to get more appropriate temps.
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Matt Campbell
Animal Keeper, Small Mammal/Reptile House
Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago, Illinois

Assistant Curator
Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, Illinois

Thanks I decided to stick with incandescent because wanted localized heat and thought halogen might be same no better.
I use a spotlight ofcourse. However since you say they are brighter and warmer might get one less watts to try than what using now might go ahead and pick up one at home depot they are only a few dollars for the 60 watt types and try it.
Worst case I go back to my incandescent and use the halogen for porch light.
Thanks