Will my CHE be a problem with my exo-teraa terrarium??

Hey guys, yet another thread for the same issue.

So I went shopping and got everything I needed (except for the plexiglass, ill get it soon). But here's the problem. The best dome I could get at my local petstore is a Flukers 8.5" Lamp Clamp with ceramic socket, of course. The fixture doesn't fit between the two plastic crossbars...

On another thread I asked if setting the dome on top of the plastic was okay, and a user had told me it should be fine (thanks btw for the help/response). HOWEVER, after discussing it with my dad he is very afraid of the plastic melting and potentially causing a fire. I have a dimmer, so I can turn the wattage of the 100W CHE down (or however you explain how dimmers work), but I'm still afraid of those plastic crossbars melting with the dome ontop. ALSO, will the foam backround melt?? I don't plan on "directing" the CHE at it, and I'm only using the CHE to raise ambient temps, but I am still concerned. No, I cannot get the 5.5" because the wattage is only up to a 75W bulb on that.

Is there anyway we can accommodate for the dome? Should I use the lamp clamp and hover the dome? Will everything be okay and I'm just being paranoid? Please help!

Thanks a bunch!

(ps here's some visuals)

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../3/5/79683.jpg

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../3/5/69020.jpg

(also, yes I have posted this on my original thread for this problem, but I figured there was no harm in giving it its own thread. Sorry if this bothers any of you)

It shouldn't melt! I have the same problem with my fixture not fitting between the crossbars. My CHE is set to 80 something degrees and has been like that since day one (have had it for over a month now), and it has yet to melt it or show any signs of potential melting. Also, it shouldn't melt the foam background either, as I haven't had any problems with that either.


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Originally Posted by LivingDeadGirl

It shouldn't melt! I have the same problem with my fixture not fitting between the crossbars. My CHE is set to 80 something degrees and has been like that since day one (have had it for over a month now), and it has yet to melt it or show any signs of potential melting. Also, it shouldn't melt the foam background either, as I haven't had any problems with that either.


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Ah okay, I was so nervous. My dad and I were thinking about trying a 75W with the 5.5" to get it to 80, but I didn't wanna do that because 100W was recommended for my 40 gal. I will let him know about your situation. Thanks!

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Originally Posted by GiddyGoat

Ah okay, I was so nervous. My dad and I were thinking about trying a 75W with the 5.5" to get it to 80, but I didn't wanna do that because 100W was recommended for my 40 gal. I will let him know about your situation. Thanks!

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No problem!


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Originally Posted by LivingDeadGirl

No problem!


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Welp, he's still nervous even after I showed him the thread. He still wants to try to 75W bulb, since I don't need an insanely drastic temp increase. I told him the 100W was recommended to me for the 40 gal but he's sure it'll work. I guess I'll see how it plays out. Dads... am I right? lol :P

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Originally Posted by GiddyGoat

Welp, he's still nervous even after I showed him the thread. He still wants to try to 75W bulb, since I don't need an insanely drastic temp increase. I told him the 100W was recommended to me for the 40 gal but he's sure it'll work. I guess I'll see how it plays out. Dads... am I right? lol :P

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TBH i'd be worried, too. heated plastics that aren't supposed to be heated are not a good thing no matter what. if you can, you could try getting the 75W and see how it goes, bc the direct heat does concern me.

i'm not sure of a solution to the problem with the plastic bars...i'd try the 75W if it's possible.

EDIT: what temp do you need it at to get your temps right?

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

TBH i'd be worried, too. heated plastics that aren't supposed to be heated are not a good thing no matter what. if you can, you could try getting the 75W and see how it goes, bc the direct heat does concern me.

i'm not sure of a solution to the problem with the plastic bars...i'd try the 75W if it's possible.

EDIT: what temp do you need it at to get your temps right?

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we have decided to get the 75W. Right now my ambient and cool side temp is about 72 degrees... I need it at like 80. So not too bad, not too drastic. I'm just going to keep trying my best with what I can do until I can get this right. I'll update this thread after I get the 75W

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Originally Posted by GiddyGoat

we have decided to get the 75W. Right now my ambient and cool side temp is about 72 degrees... I need it at like 80. So not too bad, not too drastic. I'm just going to keep trying my best with what I can do until I can get this right. I'll update this thread after I get the 75W

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for temps i meant what temp does the dome get? the temp the lamp would sit at is important. do you have an IR temp gun? it would help here.

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

for temps i meant what temp does the dome get? the temp the lamp would sit at is important. do you have an IR temp gun? it would help here.

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Oops sorry! Mistake on my part. I don't have an IR temp gun yet but I'll be getting one soon, I told my dad how important they are and we're going to order one. I'm not exactly sure how hot the dome gets TBH, and I don't wanna pretend like I do know.

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Originally Posted by GiddyGoat

Oops sorry! Mistake on my part. I don't have an IR temp gun yet but I'll be getting one soon, I told my dad how important they are and we're going to order one. I'm not exactly sure how hot the dome gets TBH, and I don't wanna pretend like I do know.

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so i just did some quick googling and even cheap plastics have a melting point of ~212° F. you might just be okay. i'd wait a week or so to monitor your heating and see how it goes, but a temp gun will help here. go ahead and try some googling for yourself so you can explain to your dad in your own words. [emoji3]

EDIT: so i just asked MY dad (he's an engineer) and he says this is definitely a fire hazard, because worst-case scenario is not worth the risk. it CAN present a fire hazard. definitely try the 75W. i'm very sorry for the confusing answers, i'm just trying to help!!!