Quote Originally Posted by lord jackel
Secondly I haven't used a bulb with a proportional thermostat but my guess is that typically incandscent bulbs don't last long when you run fluctuating power to them...so you can expect that the bulb won't last long.
Hi,

Actually with proportionals they tend to last quite well - I have a red spot bulb that has been in the tank for over 4 years now. The reason they last is because (although it fluctuates) it is nearly always running at a lower voltage than it was designed for if you choose the right wattage.

The thermostats that tend to eat lightbulbs for breakfast are the pulse proportional ones as the stress of the turning on and off is far greater than the strain of constantly running.

But I agree the ceramic bulbs are a far better solution when coupled with a good thermostat. They have far greater heating capacity so can cope with unbexpected dips in ambient temperatures with fewer problems and even the best red or blue light bulb gives out some white light (usuallly around the neck) which might annoy the snake if it was bright enough for long enough.


dr del