heating bulb

[diablo]

hey ya,

i need to get a new heating bulb for my 55 gallon tank does anyone know what i should use and what wattage?

thanks

[sclark]

Re: heating bulb

Hey Trevor,

It depends on so many variables. Height of the tank, temp of the tank, is the bulb for heat 24/7 or just a basking bulb for the day hours, etc..

For my glass tanks which range from 30 high to a 50 gallon tank that is 4 foot long I use 75 watt red lights to 100 watt spot red light. I always use red lights. Causes less stress and can be left on later then white light. And since I am a night owl it works best. I only use these lights to add some extra heat to my glass tanks. When the weather becomes warm I don't use them at all.

Steve

[T.C.]

Re: heating bulb

In a 55 gallon I would recommend a 100 watt CHE. They can be left on and last a very long time. I have seen friends go through 20 to 30 bulbs before I had to replace a CHE. They are more money when you go to buy them, but think about what 20 light bulbs would cost and then look at the cost... CHE is definately a better deal.
If you must go with a bulb get a 110 watt night-glo from ESU. They have proven to me to be the best for a 55 gallon when not using the CHE. You should also be using some kind of under the tank heating with a Rheostat to control the temps.

[sclark]

Re: heating bulb

Hey Trevor,

I know TC and I gave completly different advice here. I still stand by what I said. I remember you told me the temps of your glass tank. If you add another heat sorce, like a 100 watt CHE you may end up over heating your baby. Unless you changed your heat setup, I would not add another heat sorce. If you are just looking to add a few degree's of temp, you may want to get a 40 watt bulb or CHE. Just watch the temps close and make sure they don't get too hot..

Good luck
Steve

[diablo]

Re: heating bulb

yea i dont want a che but i have a 60 watt zoo med bulb and its not getting the temps up high enouph so ill probally go with a 100 or 110 red bulb like you said...and what do i get again??

[diablo]

Re: heating bulb

and i called some places and cant find any i dont even know what there called so can ya help me out here. what about a zoo med night bulb those are red

[Red]

Re: heating bulb

I have a suggestion that could help you out man...
You liike to watch your snakes at night right... so how about you get a red light buld put it in a lap or a ceiling lap and turn it on when you want to watch and use heating devises that can be utalized all the time..... Just a thought...
Eric aka...Red

[T.C.]

Re: heating bulb

CHE won't be too hot if you do like I said and hook up a rheostat to it. That will control the temps so it doesn't get too hot.