Basking Bulbs

[tszutk]

I'm having rotten luck with basking bulbs. Do you have a favorite brand/type?

I'm also not interested in under tank heaters. I've done my research and even our vet doesn't like them.

[melcvt00]

I use a ceramic bulb.

[PitOnTheProwl]

I've done my research and even our vet doesn't like them.

Husbandry is not always about what we like.

I would look into a regulated CHE.

[predatorkeeper87]

I'm having rotten luck with basking bulbs. Do you have a favorite brand/type?

I'm also not interested in under tank heaters. I've done my research and even our vet doesn't like them.

I can tell you from personal experience that bulbs of all varieties are dang hard to keep the temps right and will melt a pvc/plastic enclosures far quicker than under the tank heaters. I tried bulbs and I absolutely hate them, and have sprung for a really good thermostat and will be using under tank heaters until I get my rack set up and flexwatt installed.

[Reinz]

I'm having rotten luck with basking bulbs. .............

How so? Please elaborate

[tszutk]

They always seem to burn out really quickly. I'm trying the ceramic bulbs and they seem to be working really well!

[Reinz]

I haven't had burnouts in well over a year and a half since I added dimmers to all of the lamps. The key was to use 150 watt bulbs and run them at around 40-60%.
This way the filaments don't get as hot and burn out.

Where as before, I was replacing them every 1-3 months.

[Sonny1318]

I also use bulbs, I never turn them off. I believe that also increases their life span.

[Reinz]

I also use bulbs, I never turn them off. I believe that also increases their life span.

I agree!

[Sauzo]

All bulbs will burn out within a few months. Just the nature of the beast. Use a CHE or RHP on a t-stat if you want overheat heating.

As for UTH aka heat tapes like Flexwatt, there is nothing wrong with them if you use them the right way. They MUST be t-stat regulated like any heat source. You also cant expect to pack down inches of substrate. Also cant expect them to heat the air. You have to know what their use is and what their limits are. That is why a lot of people who use Flexwatt also either have warm rooms or run oil heaters. I personally use flexwatt on all my snakes except one who has a RHP and I love the Flexwatt a lot better. I do keep my house fairly warm though and if it gets really cold out, I got an oil heater I drag out and put in the center of the room. I don't know your vet but I fail to understand why he/she doesn't like them unless he/she doesn't know their use and limits.