Red or Blue?

[Moofins07]

I currently have a 150 watt (probably a bit high - I have to offset it on an angle on top of the screen so the temp doesn't get too high on that one end) infrared bulb in the ol' lamp-o, and it has worked fairly well so far. Minus the humidity, of course.

But the main issue is, the lamp itself has been dropped a couple times (ERG!) and now the glue holding the bulb into the metal socket is completely botched. It's lolling around and literally ready to fall out. So I went ahead and bought a "moonlight" 75 watt (it was the highest wattage they had in stock. They had plenty of daylight bulbs with higher wattage, but the tank is in the bedroom, so it would pose an obvious problem at OUR bedtime) blue heat bulb, and wanted some input before I started messing with things. If I take out the infrared, it will surely pop out in the twisting process, so then it will be entirely useless.

Provided it's a 29g tank, will 75 watts provide enough heat in the meantime until the pet store receives another shipment? And do the blue bulbs emit the same amount of heat as the infrared, if the comparing wattage were the same?


Any and all input is appreciated! Thanks, guys!

[singingtothewheat]

If this is for a B.P. I suggest you get rid of the light entirely. The don't need the ultra's. It dries out the environment / bedding / and animal horribly.

[Moofins07]

If this is for a B.P. I suggest you get rid of the light entirely. The don't need the ultra's. It dries out the environment / bedding / and animal horribly.

Granted, but if you live in Canada, in the middle of winter, in an old and horribly drafty house, I'd rather my snake didn't freeze to death and die. I can, and have, maintained her humidity with misting.

I don't know about you, but I prefer bad sheds over a dead snake.

[zantedeschia]

You don't want a white light over your snake anyhow. Kind of stresses them out having the sun overhead 24/7.

I have both a red and blue bulb and the blue puts out less visible light, if that's what your concern is. The red is brighter but supposedly doesn't bother the snake.

One is a 40watt and one is a 50. I've got a 75 watt (blue) and that one is considerably hotter, so your 75 watt might be warm enough.

[Moofins07]

You don't want a white light over your snake anyhow. Kind of stresses them out having the sun overhead 24/7.

I have both a red and blue bulb and the blue puts out less visible light, if that's what your concern is. The red is brighter but supposedly doesn't bother the snake.

One is a 40watt and one is a 50. I've got a 75 watt (blue) and that one is considerably hotter, so your 75 watt might be warm enough.

I don't remember mentioning anywhere in my original post that I use a UV lamp, so I don't know where you guys are getting this from... I am aware they are nocturnal and do not need, nor do they benefit, from overhead UV light.

However, I do appreciate your input. So thanks for the help, and once this cold spell blows over a little, I shall give the blue bulb a shot.

[Kaorte]

There is no difference in heat between the blue and red bulbs. The only thing that will give you different heat is different wattage.

I would stick with the blue bulb that way you can have it on all the time and it won't disturb the snakes day/night cycle.

[Southernshooter]

Their is no different as far as heat between the blue andred, Just the light output. I really like the red because it puts out just enough light so that I can view my snakes at night and not have to turn the room light on which is bright white just to check on them

[zantedeschia]

I don't remember mentioning anywhere in my original post that I use a UV lamp, so I don't know where you guys are getting this from... I am aware they are nocturnal and do not need, nor do they benefit, from overhead UV light.

Hrm. The site timed out on me when I was trying to post and I thought the posting failed. So I didn't get a chance to edit what I thought I was trying to say. Apologies for the misunderstanding.

Anyhow, I checked and I do have the 75watt blue bulb on the 29gallon tank. That was *given* to me by a petco employee when I bought the little one, and it's not really optimal with him. I want to put my boa in the 29gallon but then I'll need to get something for the BP but it makes my brain hurt and I'm rambling and I think I'll stop now.

[seeya205]

I only have used the red but I agree that you need a light to bring up temps in Canada during the winter! My house is at 68 and the ambient air in the tank would be that without the light! I get about 78 with a 75 watt in a 20 gallon long tank!

[trott]

They should put out the same heat. Red is a better viewing lamp and it is believed they cant see red. But not a big deal.
The heat effect varies depending on distance to the substrate. Some bulbs come with a chart showing what the temp will be based on the distance. Unless you tank is really tall 150 watt will be too much unless you can control it. You might be ok with the 75 but it would be nice if it were adjustable with a dimmer switch(10 bucks at HD). Also a temp gun will be you and your snakes best friend...