Heat Lamps Breaking

I've been having this issue for quite sometime. I have a 50gal tank, and I've found that the 100w heating "red" bulbs keep the temp just right for the cage. The problem is that every 3 months the bulbs seem to melt at the point where the bulb hits the metal thread part. I have a 25gal tank for another python of mine which came with a ceramic heating element, hasn't shown any signs of melting. Should I try a ceramic element for the larger cage? Anyone have any advice?

Thanks to all in advance.

Is the heat lamp rated for 100W bulbs? Some of the ones I have are only rated for 50W.

If you keep having the same problem, of course you should do something different. :)

Ditto to the posts above.

Your run of the mill heat lamp for $8-10 from the hardware store is not designed to run 24/7.

Pay the extra money for an actual pet/reptile lamp for the safety of your animal and your own.

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Originally Posted by Reinz

Ditto to the posts above.

Your run of the mill heat lamp for $8-10 from the hardware store is not designed to run 24/7.

Pay the extra money for an actual pet/reptile lamp for the safety of your animal and your own.

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I use the exo terra heatglo infra red bulbs, with housings that say can handle up to 200w bulbs.

I found that bulbs are expensive and have a short life which is why I prefer a UTH + thermostat.

If you must supply heat from above then use a CHE.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

I found that bulbs are expensive and have a short life which is why I prefer a UTH + thermostat.

If you must supply heat from above then use a CHE.

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CHE? What is that?

I'm not sure why OP's bulb keeps melting, but I use three bulbs (black, daylight, & ceramic) and find that the ceramic is great, but doesn't produce the ambient heat that the daylight does.

I would go ahead and switch to a tub/heat tape setup with a thermostat! Then all your problems will be solved :)

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Originally Posted by shadow reaper

CHE? What is that?

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Ceramic Heating Element/Emitter

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Originally Posted by Rikoku

Ceramic Heating Element/Emitter

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Oops, haha, thanks, didn't realize that had an abbreviation!