Watts?

[Shaun J]

If I want to keep a temperature of 105-110 degrees, how many watts do I need in a light bulb? Some caresheets say 60- some say 70?

[kavmon]

depends on the size of the tank, and how cold your house is? and where is the basking spot, up high or on the ground? i would experiment with normal household bulbs like 60,75,100 watt and see what temps you get.


vaughn

[JLC]

It really depends on the ambient temps of the room the cage is in, as well as the size of the space you're trying to heat. If it's a big cage in a cool room...try a higher wattage. A small cage in a warm room would require less wattage.


Best advice I know is to take your best guess....and test it. Then go up or down from there as needed.

[Shaun J]

The tank is a 20 gallon long, my house can be cold in the winter, since I live in Maryland.

Thanks, I never thought of expirementing like that.

[mr~python]

i guess this is for your beardie? what i would do is get semi-high wattage basking bulb and also get a dimmer. hook it up and you can change it to whereever you like. thats how i have my ackie set-up.

[Shaun J]

I would get a dimmer, I just don't know how to wire it.Do you know where I can find a wired one?

EDIT: What about a rheostat?

[JLC]

I would get a dimmer, I just don't know how to wire it.Do you know where I can find a wired one?

EDIT: What about a rheostat?

Dimmer switch = rheostat. You can find them at the hardware store (and sometimes Walmart if it has a well stocked hardware/lighting dept). They're already wired...you just plug into them and slide the switch as needed.

[Shaun J]

Ok, thanks.

[mr~python]

i got one from Osh that was white and already wired so you can just "plug and play". it was about 8 bucks. i think its made by Leutron.

[Shaun J]

What's Osh?