Newbie & need help with clamp lamp

[Merrillizer]

Hi all. I just adopted a very nice ball python. Today I picked up a zoo med porcelain clamp lamp and a incandescent black heat bulb for it. I turned it on and within several minutes I noticed it was smoking. I turned it off and checked things and it seems ok, so I am assuming this is some sort of burn off? Has anyone experience this before? TIA

[Argentra]

It's burning off dust, most likely. Unless it continues and turns something black, of course.

On another note, I do hope the lamp is just for night viewing or ambient temp boosts. Lamps are not a good Main heat source for BPs...or any snake, really.

[A7XSynX42]

I had the same problem and it was dust.. just clean your cage top and the bulb and you should be good. But I don't use lamps anymore because they kill humidity!

[Merrillizer]

Thanks! Ya, seems to have been just dust from the bulb. All is good now Yes, the black lamp is just for the nighttime to help ambient temp. cuz winter is coming, and here in NH it will be getting cooooold at night.