Experience with cermaic heating elements?

[Amphibious]

I'm in Maine, and it's getting cold here. My heating pad stopped providing enough heat so I incorporated a clamp lamp into my set up. While it is working well enough it seems like it might be bothering him. It was very warm in my house last night so I turned off the light. He seemed more active/ responsive, stood up in his hole, ducked down at sudden movements or sounds. I'm thinking in might be either A) The concentrated area of heat the bulb is providing, or B) that there is enough detectable light to bother him despite using a red bulb. From my understanding the ceramic heating element would address both of these issues. Do any of you use one? How do you like it?

[IvoryReptiles]

We have only ever used them with reptiles. Being down in South Texas, we rarely have need of any heating elements as we have a climate controlled room for all the animals.......if it does get cold enough to affect the room temps, we use a small portable room heater to keep the room nice & toasty.

[GrifTheGreat]

I haven't used ceramic heating elements, but am thinking of trying them out. I use infrared bulbs. 50 watts for both of mine without any issues. They produce light but its a dim light. If you use a lamp with a dimmer switch you can adjust the amount of heat and light coming from the bulb. You should never excede 50 watts even with the ceramic heat emitter.

[Niels D]

I'm using them in combination with a dimmer. Works perfect in my opinion.

[Sidius]

I had debated using one of those in my 55g since i was having troubles with heat.. but I moved my pac to a 30g and setting the 55g up for something else, however I also went with an infrared bulb cept mines a 100watt bulb, hooked up to a heat sensor. Kicks on when it drops to 78F and shuts off when it hits 80F and its high enough up to where it doesn't get to hot on the substrate when on... made sure of that. Something else you could do so it doesn't get to hot using a ceramic heater I would think....just throwing it out there.

[Niels D]

hooked up to a heat sensor

That's a great idea! Why didn't I ever think of that....

[GrifTheGreat]

I had debated using one of those in my 55g since i was having troubles with heat.. but I moved my pac to a 30g and setting the 55g up for something else, however I also went with an infrared bulb cept mines a 100watt bulb, hooked up to a heat sensor. Kicks on when it drops to 78F and shuts off when it hits 80F and its high enough up to where it doesn't get to hot on the substrate when on... made sure of that. Something else you could do so it doesn't get to hot using a ceramic heater I would think....just throwing it out there.

I have the Zoo Med Hygrotherm. It controls heat and humidity. I also have a timer set for a 12 hour day night cycle. I almost have their set up automated but not quite. I also do like to rely entirely on a machine to keep them comfy.

[flybyferns]

Amphibious

I'm using a 75 watt w/ a dimmer. It hangs above my enclosure. ( I don't use it during the summer here on Long Island )
I think it works great as well. It's a tricky time of year. I find it is not as difficult to maintain temps once the heat comes on in the house.
Once the heat comes on in my home - focus has to be more on the humidity !

Just be very careful when positioning it , monitor closely when you fist get it up and running.
As mentioned, the dimmer is great with this bulb , because they are strong and things can be adjusted as the temps in the room affect the enclosure temps.
Monitor for hot spots !!!!
I have mine hanging above the enclosure pointed down to the center ( where no frogs can go) , above the water side.
This way it also helps pull up and create additional humidity as well.

The reason I changed to the ceramic was because the black and red heat bulbs seemed to reflect a lot of light off the inside of the dome at night.

If you would like a pic of how I suspended it from the ceiling of my ( very old ) basement , I'm more than happy to take it. It take only a few minutes to post a pic

Lynn