How hot can a bulb get?

I can't find any info on how hot a given bulb can get an enclosure.
I realize that the enclosure itself has a lot to do with it.

But in general. . .
How hot can a 200 watt lamp get an enclosure? Will it be able to produce 120 degree basking temperatures with the right bulb?

Thanks. :)

A 200 watt light bulb can get as hot as 477 deg F (247 deg C) depending on the position of the bulb in the fixture.

http://www.chacha.com/question/how-m...t-bulb-put-out

Holy macaroni! :O

What does it mean by the position of the light in the fixture? :confused:

Just got advice from the 'local' reptile place. Said that a flood light bulb from home depot should do the trick!

Now if only they came in red. :P

Position of the lamp in the enclosure does mean a lot, as does whether the enclosure is properly contained or has a screen lid. Also, is it a tank or a wood cage? What size is it? Bulb or floodlight? Etc.

If the basking bulb is closer to your basking spot, the temps on the spot will be higher.

One thing you MUST watch is the ambient temps of the cage. Putting a 200 watt bulb in a tank might cook the entire tank with no place for the animal to have a "cool side".

Hi,

There would be too many factors to give an accurate answer I think.

How well your viv held heat, the ambient room temps etc woud all change the answer drastically. Also what the other end of the enclosure eneded up at when your hot spot was at the desired temp - it may end up too hot or cold.

I would say buy a good thermostat and a high wattage bulb, make sure it is well guarded to protect the animal and see what adjustments you need to make once that has settled down for 24 hours or so.


dr del

Thank you for the info. I was told to not go for 200 watts, but try a 100 watt flood light first. If it doesn't heat up enough, I can always take it back for a higher watt one.
I also have a dimmer, so I can adjust it easily if it's getting too hot, or not hot enough.

Working on building parts of the enclosure to better retain heat and humidity. :)


I'll be sure to put several thermometers in the enclosure, to make sure the temperature is appropriate on both sides! :)

unless you have like a five foot tall 10,000g cage i wouldnt ever use a 200w, your gonna turn it into an oven. in my 55g, i have a 75w on the right, and it keeps the floor temp at 76 on the right, and 75 on the left, with it being 90 at roughly 6" below the light. if i were you, i would get a 150w with a thermostat so i could regulate it, 150 should be more than enough as long as your not talking more than about 2.5ft from bulb to spot, thats my two cents