Missi, great minds think alike!Originally Posted by missi182
I don't know if you read the other posts, but with exception to the CHE (which the OP may not even know what that stands for) You have just repeated me, but thats O.K! Anyway, a CHE is a Ceramic Heat Emitter, and before you run out and buy one I will tell you (the OP) a bit about them.
CHEs kill humidity BIG time. Yes they do not produce light (good thing) but they require specific lamps to use them, that are properly rated for use of a CHE. Another thing is they cost anywhere from $25-$40 for the coil alone, and the lamps are also at least $20.
You are very correct that that light will stress out the bp if it is left on 24/7 so I would suggest an Infrared Bulb, as they cost about $10, and the light does not disturb the bp. These can be purchased at almost any pet store that carries reptile supplies, and the wattage of them varies.
Also - putting a dimmer on the lamps you have reduce the life of the bulb, so it is more intelligent to simply buy the proper wattage of bulb to meet the temperature needs of the size of tank you have.
However, I have to disagree with a few things here. First, CHE's if set right do not suck up more humidity then a normal light bulb. they are the same. They do not require special lamps. they only require lamps with the correct wattage... just like any other kind of bulb. (obviously the do tho have to be the kind of lamps made for tanks)
Yes, the CHE does cost on average 30 or 35 bucks, but it lasts YEARS. your infared bulb will maybe last 2 months... THe CHE in time costs WAY less then the infared bulbs. The red light it puts out is cool at first but gets QUITE anoying after a few months!
While a standard bulbs life can be effected by use of a dimmer switch, a CHE's life is not effected by the use of a dimmer switch at all.
The last thing I am sure I just misunderstood you. It sounded like you were suggesting using a lamp without anything to regulate the temperature. Obviously this is not correct. There is no such thing as the perfect watt bulb that will keep temps perfect all the time without regulation. Unless of course you do in fact have the exact perfect wattage, and a room that stays EXACTLY the same temperature 365 days a year.
Mike
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