CHE versus Red Light for Hunter?? Pros / Cons

[mr1793tx]

Pros and cons of a red overhead light versus a CHE for overhead heat? What are the pros and cons?

[Bogertophis]

I have had very good luck (& very long usage) from black or red incandescent bulbs- they're always dimmed down too, & the minimal light doesn't appear to bother my snakes one bit.

On the other hand, if your snakes are in the room where you sleep, the light might well bother you.

One disadvantage of CHE is the chance of burning yourself (& even dropping it) if you forget it's been on & try to pick it up. We're not all the same on this sort of thing.

There may (?) be some increased wear (shorter life) of CHE's when dimmed or regulated by a t-stat- at least some ppl have suggested as much? I personally don't use CHE & can't say for sure.

CHE's cost more, but incandescent light bulbs, even red & black, may be going the way of the dinosaurs regardless. These days efficiency of other types of bulbs is taking precedence, & I'm not sure that manufacturing will be thinking much about us reptile keepers, though I hope they will. We actually should begin sending them some feedback so they know who is using their products and why, before they do disappear.

[Lord Sorril]

IMO:

Red Light Pros:
-Emits Visible Light
-Doesn't have a chemical smell when initially heated up
-Doesn't require a special housing
-Initial cost is cheaper
-Easier to obtain

CHE Pros:
-Does Not Emit Visible Light (more heat efficient)
-Higher durability (operational time/impact resistance)
-Heat is directed towards one direction
-Can be used effectively with both dimming and pulse proportional thermostats