Quote Originally Posted by mcavana View Post
Missi, great minds think alike!

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 infrared bulb will maybe last 2 months... The CHE in time costs WAY less then the infrared bulbs. The red light it puts out is cool at first but gets QUITE annoying 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
I can see where your going with the CHEs. In my town, most of the lamps that pet stores carry (around $29) are not rated for use with CHEs and say right on the packaging not to use them. I think the major difference is the ceramic vs. porcelain base. The ones carried by pet stores here that usable with a CHE are the cage lamps and they cost about $35.

In the long run, I can see why you would suggest the CHE for it's life span, but I do disagree that the right wattage bulb need adjustments, as I currently use a 50 watt black light that keeps ambient 82-85, until summer comes, which is when I will likely just turn it off all together. I am able to raise or lower my lamp mind you, as I have it attached to the wall behind my tank.

TheHabit, it is totally up to you what you would like to use with regards to infrared or a CHE. If it comes down to you using the infrared for a month or so then deciding its annoying or it has burnt out on you, you can consider switching to a CHE.

There is no 1 way to set up your enclosure, but meeting the temperature requirements of 90-93 warm side, 80-85 cool side and low 80's ambient is what you are trying to attain so keep tweaking!!