Need more heat

[Eleni]

I had purchased a heat lamp to keep the ambient temperature in my tank up, but it burnt out pretty fast and the temps are too low. I have a heat pad that keeps her basking temp at about 90-95°, but the rest of it has dropped to about 68°. I would like some suggestions on quality bulbs to keep the temperature up in a 20 long tank. I have a fluker's fixture that says it can handle up to 75 w. It will be placed about 6.5 inches from the rim of the fixture to the top if the lid. Until I get this I have another heat mat that has been able to get it a bit warmer, but it still is less than 70 in some places, so I'd like a new bulb that will last and heat well as soon as possible. Thanks in advance.

[redshepherd]

You could get a CHE from reptilebasics: http://www.reptilebasics.com/heat-emitter

As long as the heat lamp is outside the tank, and the BP can't touch it!

[Eleni]

Thanks for the quick reply, I'll be sure to check those out.

[melcvt00]

I would even consider a bigger fixture and CHE. This way, when you upgrade your tank, you have something bigger already. You can also get a lamp dimmer switch, and adjust it down so that it isn't actually running full blast all the time.

You have a thermostat between the heat pad and the tank, right? Just hafta ask. :-)

Also consider insulating the tank a bit. Cover three sides with Reflectix, and covering the screen top with something like heavy duty foil will keep in both heat and humidity.

[Eleni]

Thank you. I thought about getting a larger fixture, but I figured that if, when I upgraded, I got a vision cage or something similar, I wouldn't need a higher wattage. Also, by that time I might have a small room for reptiles that would be warmer than the rest of the house. I also considered getting a fixture with a dimmer, but many of the reviews stated that they caused the bulbs to go out much faster, is this not true for CHE or is there a certain dimmer that worked better than others? I will also look into getting some reflectix. Would covering the top with foil not block out the heat from the CHE?

[melcvt00]

Cut out a hole just big enough for the che. The dome will direct the heat down through it.

[Sauzo]

I would avoid Vision cages. I have heard lots bad reviews about them. Such as they have a channel on the top and bottom of the door that will allow snakes to hide in and be a pain to get out. Also anything longer than the 4' ones, I've been told sag a lot with age. I would check out Animal Plastic cages. They are awesome and the price is great. You can get a bare T8 for like $150 and then slap in a RHP since your room seems kind of cold and you will be golden.

For right now though, you can go to any pet shop and look at CHEs like Redshepherd said. A 20 gallon should be fine with something like a 60 watt. Just cover most of the top of the cage to keep the heat in.

[Sonny1318]

A sixty watt red bulb should be more then enough. You could go with a hundred on a dimmer switch. The key to them not burning out is turning them on and off as little as possible.

[Eleni]

Thank you all for the suggestions, I'll get a 60w CHE and Reflectix as soon as I can.
We also have relatively heavy wind right now, and the power may go out. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do if this happens? I have the tank covered almost completely with blankets, but I doubt that would be enough if it was out for more than a few hours. I'll also cover what I can with foil when I get home from school. Thanks again.