Question about Temps

[patrick76]

I got a new Bp and it is in a 10 gallon tank. I have a 60 watt Nightlight Red for the light clamp and the temps stay between 84 on warm side and 76 on the cool side. I use this light during the night time. Is this safe levels? Also i have a 50 watt 120 volt light for the day and the temps get up to 98 Warm side and 80 cool side is this ok?

[JLC]

Welcome to BP.net!



You don't need different temps for day and night. Find a bulb that gives you the right gradient, and make sure it's a "nighttime" bulb so you can just leave it on 24/7. You want to aim for low 80's to low 90's. So, as it stands now...your night temps are too cool, and your day temps are too warm.

[patrick76]

Think i should get a night time bulb that is more than a 60 watt?

[Nate]

You may need to buy a few different wattage bulbs and figure out what works best. The best way to learn is from first hand experience.

[patrick76]

Also can the red bulb just be one like from a normal store?

[Nate]

if it's a heat bulb, i would assume so. just keep an eye on your temps with a digital thermometer.

[JLC]

I don't know enough about how light bulbs are made to suggest buying one that is not made specifically for reptiles. Might be ok, but I really don't know.


You could opt for one that is higher wattage...then get a dimmer switch from home depot (they make them for table lamps that you just plug right into like an extension cord...very inexpensive and simple)....then dial in the new bulb to the perfect temps, and adjust as necessary.

[dr del]

Hi,


I use a dimming thermostat on a large rated bulb on some of my tanks - this obviously keeps the temperatures more stable ( my house temps fluctuate quite a bit) but I accept it isn't exactly the most economical of solutions.

Do you use an under tank heater as well or just bulbs?

**edit**

I really need to take speed typing lessons.

**end edit**

dr del

[patrick76]

just one bulb

[patrick76]

Woke up this morning and looks like the 60 watt bulb might do fine i guess warm side at 91 and cool side at 81 what you think?