Heatlamp question

[Crystal6]

As some of you may already know, I have been having a problem with my froggy being too cold. It was determined I needed a ceramic heat bulb. (http://www.harrisinwonderland.com/products/index.shtml) but now I'm having trouble assuring people it will not burn down my house. I'm also concerned because I am told they produce more heat then a normal heat bulb.

So: 1 Should I get a 150 Watt or a 250 watt?
2 Is it a fire hazard?

The cage it will be for is http://www.amazon.com/Exo-Terra-Terr...3672753&sr=1-1

the bulb will be positioned above the cage via heat lamp.

[blightedchemist]

I haven't used heat lamps myself, but have never heard of anything saying they are much of a fire hazard. I guess you would just need to use common sense. I would personally get the 150 watt bulb because the other one may be a bit much.
for use with that tank I would keep it far away from the plastic cross beams in its top, and make sure to really keep it away from the foam backing that comes with those tanks, if you kept it in there.

[Julia]

I have heat lamps on all my reptile cages and leave them on all day while I am at work. I've never had a problem...150 watt would probably be better, you don't want anything too hot it will make the cage too dry.

[StephenLS]

Hi there!

Ceramic bulbs get super hot. You would be better off using a heatmat and if totally necessary and infra red light mounted outside the tank attached to a thermostat.

You also need to consider if the lamp is going to heat up any metal screening that the frog could access as it may burn itself!

Personally I use a couple of high wattage heat mats on tanks requiring a lot of heat ..... but I guess it depends on how cold it is here you live?

Ta

Steve

[John]

I agree with Stephen - a ceramic heat bulb is almost certainly overkill for frogs, unless you have a massive terrarium. If you do use one, ensure you use a ceramic fixture for the bulb, or you will melt the fixture itself and possibly cause a fire. Also, be aware that different fixtures have different watt ratings - don't use a bulb of a wattage above what the fixture is rated for.

[Crystal6]

I agree with Stephen - a ceramic heat bulb is almost certainly overkill for frogs, unless you have a massive terrarium. If you do use one, ensure you use a ceramic fixture for the bulb, or you will melt the fixture itself and possibly cause a fire. Also, be aware that different fixtures have different watt ratings - don't use a bulb of a wattage above what the fixture is rated for.

Again, cage is http://www.amazon.com/Exo-Terra-Terr...3672753&sr=1-1

Would that be too small a cage to use a ceramic bulb on?

My house is very cold. Like... northern Maine in the dead of winter cold. I'm currently relying on a regular heat bulb but that produces light and if I turn it off my frog becomes very inactive sorta like he's hibernating until I turn it back on.

Thus the light is on 24/7 which I hear is unhealthy and people suggested I get a ceramic bulb.

Thus bringing me to the point where I am now. *full circle* So 150 watt then? Not a huge fire hazard? (The lamp is advertised as being a ceramic heat lamp so I think it will be okay. I plan to have the cage on a table by it's self.)

[John]

That link doesn't work.

[Crystal6]

http://www.amazon.com/Exo-Terra-Terr...3672753&sr=1-1

O_O Huh. lets try again.

[Tropicok]

I use ceramic heat lamps on my tortoises but the shield gets very, VERY hot and I would never use it on a terrarium. When I got my frogs I bought several different size regular light bulbs and tried different ones until the small inexpensive thermometer in the tank registered the temperature I wanted (75 - 78 deg.) When we had the cold, windy blizzard I wrapped heat tape (flex-tape) on two sides of the dumpy tank glass. Didn't look pretty but it works and the dumpy frog moves from warm to cool as he prefers. The tiger-legged TF has a small piece of heat tape on the glass behind his favorite sleeping plant. I use a 40 watt light bulb on top the screen in the day time. The bombina get a aquarium light in hood over tank. No UV bulbs, please. All lights are turned off at night. Hint: I prowl the local reptile store's bargain bin for heat lamps, heat tapes, bowls, etc. and pick up extre pieces of things I may need. Don't be a hoarder, but be selective. Always test to make sure electrical works before buying. Garage sales and Craig's List often list heaters, bigger tanks, hoods and so forth.

[John]

That terrarium isn't big enough to need a ceramic heat bulb. I'd just use an incandescent bulb.

[Crystal6]

That terrarium isn't big enough to need a ceramic heat bulb. I'd just use an incandescent bulb.

Not even if it's a mere 100watt?