Views about globes

[Scotts1au]

I usually use cheap and chearful incandescent 30 degree spots for my baby blueys but 60w normally produce more heat than I want and can't find the 40w ones anymore. Wondering if there are any learned folks on here with experience using halogens, which seem to be available in a wider range of wattages?

I remember reading some time ago about them causing eye problems. Any comments

Thanks

[Richard.C]

Scott i use same bulbs and wonder the samething as you,more so on smaller cages,though 60 watters are working good,i tried one of those reptile one fan lights and found it poxy,lights good but didnt give off any heat,fan probably cools the heat off,id heard good reports but found them totally useless even in small cages,didnt luke set up with halogens?

[Scotts1au]

I'm sure the 60s will be ok in a month or so just a bit warm at the moment.

I might have to invest in a suitable dimmer.

[RoryBreaker]

I use halogens , 12volt 50watt downlights. The big hardware stores sell them for about $8 ( includes the bulb,batten and transformer). If you are really keen, soak the bulb in thinner( lens facing down) - about 3mm deep, and pry out the glass lens/filter......the bulbs will then emit UVB.

I find these lights are perfect for the ambient temps we have here in SEqld, they might struggle in your conditions though.

[Jeff]

I have been using halogen bulbs for my shinglebacks for years with no negative affects. If you get a dimmer, you can get the temperature down to where you want it with your 60watt. The only thing is, if you dim a globe too much, it won't give off much light either, so it is best to use a wattage that is too much greater than you need.

[Scotts1au]

mmmm found this link, I know it is not particularly scientific however -interesting. Thanks for the replies, but not sure that I understand all of the risks relative to the benefit of a dimmer. yeh from memory Richard, Luke was using them. May not be such an issue with blueys because they tend not to bask so much once up to their PBT, so any issues might be self regulating. As Rory is indicating though they may end up not producing enough heat but then the intent was to change to higher wattage later in the season.

I can hook them up to a simple on/off thermostat but they have a short life expectancy, making them an unreliable heat source. Not a huge problem but more annoying than anything.

I imagine the days of readily accessible incandescent globes are numbered, so we all might have to find some happy compromises.

http://www.public.health.wa.gov.au/cpro ... ources.pdf

[RoryBreaker]

http://www.bunnings.com.au/products_pro ... Downlights

I have been using these with my Egernias and blueys. Legally you need an electrician to install the power lead though

[RoryBreaker]

Best if the light globes are covered too, inquisitive skinks will get burned.

[Richard.C]

Part of the reason i like bigger cages now scott,80 to 150 watt floodlights are still easy to aquire,not economical with the power bill,lol

[jasjmm27]

I have found halogens to be the BEST heat lamps available. Cheapest to run for the most heat. Biggest 'bang for the buck' so to say. They increase lux in the inclosure while providing heat in a generally smaller area which is good for thermoregulation (and cheapies like me that only keep the AC at 80F).