Red Light

Are red light bulbs really OK to use 24 hours?

This hasn't been a problem until now. I had a black light bulb, but it finally went out yesterday. Since it's a significant source of heat, I needed to replace it today. Naturally, the pet store didn't have any 150w black lights, only normal and red. I bought the red, which I'm sure will be OK for at least a night or two. I use it on my RTB's tank, on the side. But it supplies light for my whole snake and invert area.

Should I switch back to black light, or is red OK. The difference in the amount of light was pretty suprising to me.

Hi,

I've been using red spot bulbs to provide 24 hour basking spots in some of my tanks for years with no issues - though mine are connected via either dimmers or dimming thermostats so are never running full on.

As long as they are well enough gaurded I don't see any ill effects happeing from your using them.


dr del

Thanks for reply :rockon:

There is 0 chance of it coming in contact with the snakes. It's outside the enclosure altogther. But it is a 150w bulb, so it throws a good bit of heat, which is what I want. But the difference in light was signficant from the black light bulb. I didn't want to disturb their night/day cycle.

I had before was a CHE 150w (ws) and a 75w (cs) red bulb for the and it made my room and nose stuffy. I couldnt stand it, but it worked for the meantime. I switched over to flexwatt and it made a whole lot better. strongly recommended. Good luck