Electronics question

I have a dimmer set up with my heat lamp. Is it possible to set up a timer in addition to it? Or can you only really use one at a time, because theres only one plug that comes with each one. I feel like if I bought the timer, it would turn the dimmer on and off at certain times, instead of the heat lamp, and if you did it the other way, the dimmer would (somehow) control the output from the timer...

Anyone run both successfully?

i use a dimmer and timer on my heat lamp and it works fine

i mean the temp is usually between 83-95 or so but I'm always checking it so i keep it at 90 as much as i can but its a dimmer so there not that reliable lol but the timer doesn't do anything to the lamp except shut it off and turn it on

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Originally Posted by Keyboard Warrior

I have a dimmer set up with my heat lamp. Is it possible to set up a timer in addition to it? Or can you only really use one at a time, because theres only one plug that comes with each one. I feel like if I bought the timer, it would turn the dimmer on and off at certain times, instead of the heat lamp, and if you did it the other way, the dimmer would (somehow) control the output from the timer...

Anyone run both successfully?

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Something to keep in mind, unless you are cooling for breeding there is no reason to drop the temperature at night by turning off the heatlamp. BP's do best with a consistent, stable temperature 24 hours a day. There is no need to provide them with a day/night cycle with their heatlamp, as long as there is a window in the room they will get their day/night cycle from the sunlight.

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Originally Posted by Agent73

Something to keep in mind, unless you are cooling for breeding there is no reason to drop the temperature at night by turning off the heatlamp. BP's do best with a consistent, stable temperature 24 hours a day. There is no need to provide them with a day/night cycle with their heatlamp, as long as there is a window in the room they will get their day/night cycle from the sunlight.

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I know, I just don't usually feel comfortable leaving the heat lamp on, when I leave the house, out of fear it starting a fire (unlikely i know). But I don't feel comfortable leaving it off either. It's not his only heat source, he's got a UTH, so its not like the lamps live or die for him. but the lamp is to add about 3 degree's to both sides. So I'd maybe keep it on for 2 hours, off another 2 hours. I hear that this kills the life on the light though if its constantly heated up and cooled down.

Hi,

The solution is to buy a proportional thermostat ( check the minimum wattage if there is one though before buying ).

If you put a timer into the wall socket and then plug the dimmer into the timer followed by the lamp into the dimmer then the timer will turn the light on and off and when it is on the dimmer will keep it at the level you set.

It's not a good way of heating your BP though - as has been said before constant correct temps are what you should aim for.


dr del