How do I keep my bulbs from corroding?

[EvesFriend]

After about two or three months of using a bulb in my heat lamp, the end of the bulb (the part you screw in to the lamp) always corrodes to the point that I can't use the bulb anymore. I usually have to detatch the bulb from the end and then pry out the part that gets lodged in my lamp. How can I prevent this? Will bulb grease help?

[OhhWatALoser]

you can use no ox

[dr del]

Hi,

Is your bulb being used in a high humidity environment?

I'd try and find out why it is happeneing if I was you.


dr del

[EvesFriend]

No it's regular humidity. Why?

[dr del]

Hi,

Because under normal room humidity ( for me it's typically 20-50% ) I have never had a bulb corrode even after years of usage.

So if it is happening to yours in a matter of months all the time I would want to find out why.

I'd be wondering if it was electrical arcing or, as I asked, humidity that was causing the damage.


dr del

[EvesFriend]

What is electrical arching? I have been wondering if maybe I am screwing the thing in too tight...

[dr del]

Hi,

Sorry - arcing = sparking.

Depending on price it might be worth trying a new fitting to see if that helps.

Can you get us a picture of the corrosion you are seeing on the bulbs? Is it like pitting on the surface or rust?


dr del

[Kingofspades]

You could get an underbelly heat pad and ditch the light seeing as ball pythons are nocturnal and spend all day hiding....

That would solve the bulb issue.

[mechnut450]

I will point out that it will corrode the next bulb as it in he light socket now so it just keeps growing/ eatting away. I new fixure and light will be require but would need to figure out the problem or will happen again.
it prolly humidity , and the high temps causing it . I agree switch to the belly heat will solve a lot of it as well and covering the top to keep th heat in . or switch to the tub system they work great. I got a cinny here on my desk healing up great after needing surgery .