Ceramic Heat Emitters?

[LarissaLurid]

For some reason I haven't looked into ceramic heat emitters until now. So for my bts cage I have a 100w red heat bulb, so a 100w ceramic heat emitter would be the same right? Also for my Tegu's enclosure I'm using a 160w full spectrum for daytime, but during the nights where I don't need a basking area, what wattage should I use to keep it at a good night temperature for a 7x3x3' enclosure? This would probably only be used in the winter (if not hibernating) to keep it around the low 80s in a room that can get down to 60? I'm thinking 125w maybe?

[LarissaLurid]

does anyone use heat emitters?? please help!! i am looking to buy some this weekend at the NY expo and need to know what to get, or i'll just have to go with more infrared bulbs that dont last very long...

[joshtrout]

For some reason I haven't looked into ceramic heat emitters until now. So for my bts cage I have a 100w red heat bulb, so a 100w ceramic heat emitter would be the same right? Also for my Tegu's enclosure I'm using a 160w full spectrum for daytime, but during the nights where I don't need a basking area, what wattage should I use to keep it at a good night temperature for a 7x3x3' enclosure? This would probably only be used in the winter (if not hibernating) to keep it around the low 80s in a room that can get down to 60? I'm thinking 125w maybe?

You would have to check the temperatures of both the CHE and red heat bulb to see if they put out the same amount of heat. I would doubt that they do. You could check this two ways. Either with a digital thermometer with a probe, or get yourself a temp gun. I would recommend having both, and also trying both. It will give you a much better idea of what your temps are. As for your cage that is 7x3x3 I would suggest experimenting. I don't think anyone can tell you exactly what wattage of bulb to get. If you have the temp gun, and thermometer with probe, it will make it easier.

[LarissaLurid]

For some reason I haven't looked into ceramic heat emitters until now. So for my bts cage I have a 100w red heat bulb, so a 100w ceramic heat emitter would be the same right? Also for my Tegu's enclosure I'm using a 160w full spectrum for daytime, but during the nights where I don't need a basking area, what wattage should I use to keep it at a good night temperature for a 7x3x3' enclosure? This would probably only be used in the winter (if not hibernating) to keep it around the low 80s in a room that can get down to 60? I'm thinking 125w maybe?

You would have to check the temperatures of both the CHE and red heat bulb to see if they put out the same amount of heat. I would doubt that they do. You could check this two ways. Either with a digital thermometer with a probe, or get yourself a temp gun. I would recommend having both, and also trying both. It will give you a much better idea of what your temps are. As for your cage that is 7x3x3 I would suggest experimenting. I don't think anyone can tell you exactly what wattage of bulb to get. If you have the temp gun, and thermometer with probe, it will make it easier.

Yea I figure I'll have to find what's right for the Tegu cage, but if anyone else uses them in a similar sized area for night it'd be helpful to see what wattage they use.

I think most importantly what I want to know is if the same heat is given off of each. I don't want to buy the CHE at the expo this sunday then have ones that are either way too weak or too strong and not be able to return them..Quite a bit of money each to just throw out guesses when buying.

[neurotic88]

I've personally found CHE's suck bad for projecting heat..

To give you an example a 250watt CHE could not heat my BTS basking spot enough from 17 inches above, where as my infrared 150watt needs a dimmer on half and gets it to 100 degree's easy.

Both are hanging from the exact same place.

[LarissaLurid]

I've personally found CHE's suck bad for projecting heat..

To give you an example a 250watt CHE could not heat my BTS basking spot enough from 17 inches above, where as my infrared 150watt needs a dimmer on half and gets it to 100 degree's easy.

Both are hanging from the exact same place.

Hmm definitely interesting. I was looking at these because they are twice as much, but apparently last up to 5 years. It seems like you'd save a lot of money buying that, compared to every 3-6 months buying a new infrared. Seems like it might be a better idea to stick with infrareds though..

What about used as night time heating to get around 80s for night though? Since it doesn't need to be a hot basking area would it work better for this situation or should I still stick with the infrareds with that too?

[neurotic88]

I've personally found CHE's suck bad for projecting heat..

To give you an example a 250watt CHE could not heat my BTS basking spot enough from 17 inches above, where as my infrared 150watt needs a dimmer on half and gets it to 100 degree's easy.

Both are hanging from the exact same place.

Hmm definitely interesting. I was looking at these because they are twice as much, but apparently last up to 5 years. It seems like you'd save a lot of money buying that, compared to every 3-6 months buying a new infrared. Seems like it might be a better idea to stick with infrareds though..

What about used as night time heating to get around 80s for night though? Since it doesn't need to be a hot basking area would it work better for this situation or should I still stick with the infrareds with that too?

Honestly, I didn't mess with CHE's much after I realized how poor the projection of the heat was, however. If your are heating from a shorter distance they may be a good option for you?

My tank is 21 high, so from his rock to the CHE was 16.5 inches and after 2 hours of being on.. I couldn't get it the rock to 80. but I am planning on trying to downgrade from a 150 IR bulb to a 100, as it gets too hot. maybe a 100 won't require a dimmer.

Test it out, and keep the receipt?
I took both of my $45 dollar CHE emitters back, and got a full refund just sayingI wasn't happy with them.

[LarissaLurid]

I guess if I try buying from a pet store instead of the reptile expo I can test this out. Too bad I'll miss out on the good deals.

The distance would be about the same as yours though.

I use a 100w infrared for my bts and it works fine, but my last only lasted 3 months which is why I started looking into the CHE that last longer so I'm not spending $20 every 3 months or so.

What wattage was the CHE you used where you couldn't get the rock to 80?

[neurotic88]

I guess if I try buying from a pet store instead of the reptile expo I can test this out. Too bad I'll miss out on the good deals.

The distance would be about the same as yours though.

I use a 100w infrared for my bts and it works fine, but my last only lasted 3 months which is why I started looking into the CHE that last longer so I'm not spending $20 every 3 months or so.

What wattage was the CHE you used where you couldn't get the rock to 80?

I purchased a 150 and 250 watt Exo Terra CHE, nether were able to heat his basking rock past 80 degree's
And now as I said, a 150 IR is too much, which really made me realize CHE wasn't for me, and even the pet store peeps said, CHE's don't project well, but they do very very hot.

[LarissaLurid]

yea that seems crazy that a 250w can't even heat past 80, I'm considering using this for ONLY night tegu heating though since i'd need it around 80..do you think that it might be a good option in this case since its not for basking, just to keep it warm in winter if not hibernating since room gets down to 60?

[iLoveMyLizard]

I use a ceramic and my temps are perfect in a 4 x 2 x 1.7.

Hot end is between 31.5 and 32.5 and the basking spot is constant 37.5. Cool end ranges from 24 to 26.5 depending on room temp.

For me, ive got a 150w komodo ceramic on a habistat day/night pulse thermostat. Temps can get much hotter if needed.

[LarissaLurid]

I use a ceramic and my temps are perfect in a 4 x 2 x 1.7.

Hot end is between 31.5 and 32.5 and the basking spot is constant 37.5. Cool end ranges from 24 to 26.5 depending on room temp.

For me, ive got a 150w komodo ceramic on a habistat day/night pulse thermostat. Temps can get much hotter if needed.

hm, my little one is in a 40g breeder, do you think a 100w would work? (i have a 100w infrared at the moment)

[Richard.C]

7x3x3 is a huge enclosure,you may need to invest in a few che to warm an area that size,you have height to contend with to,tegus are generally a substrate dweller,id be more inclined to use the ceramics for back ground temp in the enclosure and use bright spot or flood lights for the basking area,being dirunal,the bright light and heat emitted is way more natural,b/w tegus can handle the cool pretty well

[Bird_Brain]

I have one CHE that I dont use. I cant remember why I bought it originally but I have had it for many years. IMO, they dont project the heat very well, but get VERY hot to the touch. IMO, I think they are too much of a fire risk.

Also, wattage does not equal heat out put. Different filaments in bulbs heat up at different temps. A great example is comparing fluorescent bulbs with incandescent. You can get a 40watt fluorescent and be able to grab it with your bare hands, but you wouldnt try with an incandescent. Even the difference between same wattage halogen vs incandescent. Halogen burn hotter than standard incandescent thus putting off more heat. So just because you currently use a 100watt bulb, doesnt mean a different type will heat the same.

[Scotts1au]

CHEs are ok for providing ambient temperature management but not for basking spots, as the wattage requirement would be too high. I find that low wattage ones are good to use in conjunction with a relatively low wattage incandescent spot. Ceramic light fittings are a must for CHEs though due to heat.