Alternative heat source. What are your views

[Ascended]

Th I've looked at blue bulbs for daytime heat, still prefer either red or a low wattage CHE for night time, but I'd like something a little easier on his eyes than a white lamp, so I might end up trying out blue.

In my experience if you combine the low wattage coloured bulb with a dimmer stat, there is just a continual gentle glow that fluctuates only slightly. As opposed to an on off which switches from full power/brightness to zero power brightness.
In nature the light gently brightens and lowers, but does not switch from full brightness to zero and back.
Just an opinion, maybe give it a try and see if it works for you.

Regarding the fire concern of Trinityblood, the lower power used by a dimmer stat does not let the element glow red hot, its too cool to make a fire. also with the lower power, they last for decades.

Again, just my experience and opinion.

Edit: Oh forgot to mention, the other way to reduce the element of the bulb being too hot and of risk is to use two bulbs. that's if its needed due to too cold background temperatures. In addition there is always the option of additional background heet so the bulbs can be even cooler and less brighton the dimmer stat.