Heat lamp brightness

I need some quick clarification.

I have a 100W red/infra-red lightbulb (according to the box with the picture of a happy iguana) for my BP. Now I chose this because I was informed that this is beyond the visible spectrum of light for most reptiles. I leave it on 24-7 checking the temps periodically.

Well in order to keep temps in the normal range, I had to keep it lifted from the tank but it made the room and the inside of his tank pretty bright. Even though it is red, it was still very bright.

Would this affect the animal in any way? i.e. stress, anxiety, off-feed etc. etc.

I bought a dimmer today and adjusted the lamp position and am getting the same temperatures (much much easier might I add) but with a greater reduction in light.

Besides a lower electric bill, is there any benefit to having it all around darker especially at night? :sunny:

I wondered the same thing when I was using one of these for my chondro. I decided to switch to a 60w black light on a rheostat. It keeps is much darker while producing plenty of heat. Another option is a ceramic heater for top heat.

I am considering the ceramic heat element after this burns out, but the downside is never seeing the snake do it's "thing" at night. Why did BP's have to be nocturnal! ! !