Quote Originally Posted by Rickys_Reptiles View Post
1) Thermostat is always best, most accurate way of controlling temperatures
2) rheostat is basically a dimmer, and no, this would not be better than a thermostat.
3) I'd suggest moving to a ceramic bulb with a thermostat
4) Yes and no. They don't particularly enjoy lights as it is which is why the ceramic bulbs are best. they provide heat, but no light.

Also, you should keep the temperatures consistent 24/7. Don't drop it at night.

I'll definitely look into a ceramic bulb. Is that also referred to as a CHE? Or is a CHE something different?

If I got a ceramic bulb and put it on a thermostat to use as my primary ambient heat source could I also get a low wattage infrared to see what he does at night? Would the thermostat lower the ceramic bulbs heat output to compensate for the heat coming off the infrared? Or could I go with a "moon light" bulb?

The only reason I have the light going off at night/on a cycle is so it doesn't get too hot. It's basically acting as a thermostat right now.