Heating Question?

[MissLovesSnakes]

I use infrared light bulbs to heat my ball pythons glass tank. (Yes I know ceramic is recomended)

She has a 40 gallon tank.

I'm going to be switching from using one lamp over the middle to using 2 lamps, one on each side of the tank.

I'm going to the store tomorrow and I don't know what wattage to buy for each lamp. 75 watts or 100?

Help please.

[KMG]

The wattage depends on how cool the room is, the distance the lights are from the cage, and the desired temps you want to provide.

A good way to do things is get the higher watt bulbs and pair them with a light dimmer to dial them in to the desired temp. This will also extend the life of the bulbs.

Another way to do it which is a way I used for a good while before my collection in one room was to use lamp stands. You can raise or lower the light to created the desired temp you need. This will also extend the life of the bulbs as you do not have to move them and bang them around going into the cage. Many times this enough to make them go out alone.

A big plus when using lamps or any device that is not on a tstat is to keep the room the cage is in at a constant temp. Since the bulbs are not on a tstat the bulbs do not change the output so if the room gets cooler the cage will too and if the room gets warmer the cage does that as well. Small fluctuations are fine but major temp differences from day to day or day to night can be an issue.

I really like these lamp stands as they are very adjustable.
http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Reptil...med+lamp+stand

[Sauzo]

Pretty much what KMG said. Also if you haven't invested in one yet, get a good thermostat to regulate the temps and then you can go for a higher bulb with no worry. Also the thermostat will go over to a new cage when you its time to upgrade. I personally use a Herpstat 1 for one of my boas and a Herpstat 2 for my BP and my other boa. If in a pinch you can also use a Hydrofarm thermostat as they are a lot cheaper but not as accurate and only operate in an on/off form, not dimming like Herpstats do. I got one of those as my backup if anything goes wrong.

[MissLovesSnakes]

Thanks guys!