Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello
Anyone use a bulb in the cage without a bulb guard? I have a cage thats 24 inches by 20 inches (Precision cage) and had the bulb put on one side of cage.
I was going to use a 15 watt bulb but it seems hot to the touch. I imagine than not a good idea for snake?
I do use a cobra heat pad on one side of cage and works well but wanted some overhead heat for cooler nights (65 degrees).
I imagine a 10 watt bulb would be okay?
thanks
Rita

>>Hello
>> Anyone use a bulb in the cage without a bulb guard? I have a cage thats 24 inches by 20 inches (Precision cage) and had the bulb put on one side of cage.
>> I was going to use a 15 watt bulb but it seems hot to the touch. I imagine than not a good idea for snake?
>> I do use a cobra heat pad on one side of cage and works well but wanted some overhead heat for cooler nights (65 degrees).
>> I imagine a 10 watt bulb would be okay?
>> thanks
>> Rita
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Mark G
Montane snakes are the coolest...

Any bulb is going to be pretty hott to the touch. I woudl recommend going to www.bigappleherp.com getting on of thier "light cages" that will at least protect from direct contact...
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www.MGReptiles.com
Professional Reptile Heating Supplies

Regardless of temps of the bulb you should always use a bulb guard. There are more then burn dangers with incage lighting. For example a snake that may climb onto the bulb and either break it or knock it loose from its metal base which can either result in cuts, electricution, or potential fire hazards due to damaged equipment.
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Randall L Turner Jr.
www.aircapitalconstrictors.com

Thanks everyone for the replies. I guess I better get a bulg guard . They look ugly in the cage but I dont want the snake hurt .
Rita

I use some 15w bulbs in a couple of my cages. They work fine. They dont get very hot at all. You can also get some 10w aquarium bulbs that work well and dont get hot. If the snake is very big it is possible for it to break the bulb by laying on it.