| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| keefy |
Posted - 29/01/2011 : 18:34:04
Hi all slight problem,
I want to upgrade the heating in my viv for my royal, i currently have a heat mat (yes i know not great) and i now want to change to ceramic/other type of heat source.
What would you recomend Its a 3ft by 1ft by about 1ft high viv.
Your advice is greatly appreciated |
| 20 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| SaltyTurtle |
Posted - 02/09/2011 : 20:13:28
Right, where to begin?
I have a 24"(long) x 21"(tall) x 18.5" (deep) Vivexotic vivarium.
I started out using a 40w ceramic, controlled by my Microclimate dimming thermostat, with a day/night magic eye so you can set a temperature drop at night (like in the desert, where they come from).
I found that I was achieving the right 'hot spot' temperatures, but two problems arose, it seemed the ceramic bulb was on 80% of the time (struggling a bit) and it also triggered the alarms on my thermostat as it switched from night to day mode (only set for a 2 degree drop!) so I binned it.
I've now got a 50w Infra Red (Exo Terra) bulb, run again through the same dimmer, and it's working a treat! Temps are spot on and fluctuate not one degree, the red light makes the viv look all exotic and 'brothel-like' which Percy seems to think is cool, and the alarms aren't going off anymore.
I've also noted that the top and sides of the viv's wood around the area the bulb is don't get worryingly hot like they did with the nasty little ceramic. I think the heat it throws out seems more focused 'downwards' then with the ceramic, which with no reflector just blasts heat out willy-nilly to all sides.
The fact you can see it working is also a huge boon, being a compulsive temperature checker (when I'm at home) it's reassuring to see the glow, proving the heating 'is happening'. It's also nice to see the slight dimming effect when altering the temperature (not noticable in day to day use, but I experimented by maxing/minning out for a minute or two to see the change)*.
* Before anyone gets on their high horse and starts on me, the overall temperature at the probe didn't change at all during this brief 'trial', and no snakes were harmed in the making of this reply.
Another point to note. My digital thermometer was reading 30 degrees in it's position between the top of the black stone roof tile (top of Percy's hide) however when I checked it with my laser thermometer (well worth the money) I got a hot spot of 34 degrees in a small area, and 32 around the outside, so a hot brick effect going on there, evidently. Just something to note. 
Almost forgot: I also have in my arsenal a 100W ceramic bulb which will be taking over when it gets so cold that the 50W I.R is struggling. If it makes the outside of the viv hellishly hot, or I miss the rosy glow of the I.R, then I'll buy a 100W I.R and use that bad-boy! Simples! 
|
| Royalbob |
Posted - 30/01/2011 : 22:17:45
quote:
Originally posted by sandi
I'm having that problem too, 60W IR bulb in a 3" viv but not getting the same temps as the 60Wred light. Turns out its just the cold snap we are having but its not getting hot enough so ive just ordered a 100w IR. Now need to change the holder, as standard lamp holder is only good for 60w output. Also have electrician as husband who is looking over shoulder ready to pounce on my mistakes so have to get it right!
Next move is, ceramic holder for 100w IR. meanwhile, temps have sorted themselves out so why the f..... am i worrying!?
That just made me laugh. |
| sandi |
Posted - 30/01/2011 : 20:59:05
I'm having that problem too, 60W IR bulb in a 3" viv but not getting the same temps as the 60Wred light. Turns out its just the cold snap we are having but its not getting hot enough so ive just ordered a 100w IR. Now need to change the holder, as standard lamp holder is only good for 60w output. Also have electrician as husband who is looking over shoulder ready to pounce on my mistakes so have to get it right!
Next move is, ceramic holder for 100w IR. meanwhile, temps have sorted themselves out so why the f..... am i worrying!? |
| reptiledanny |
Posted - 30/01/2011 : 19:19:30
i did consider ir for that reason, but becuase its in my room, i wouldn't be able to sleep with the light, so went with ir |
| Robert |
Posted - 30/01/2011 : 18:12:07
I prefer 100w IR bulbs with a dimmer stat as they give heat and light so that I can see my snakes and they aren't disturbed by it |
| reptiledanny |
Posted - 30/01/2011 : 17:53:56
im using a 100 watt cermic bulb in my vivs |
| Royalbob |
Posted - 30/01/2011 : 17:14:48
I would go 100w min in a 3ft viv, especially in winter. less strain on the bulb and your only using whatever power is needed to heat the viv |
| Lotabob |
Posted - 30/01/2011 : 16:08:43
Agreed, I have a 75 watt IR bulb and its only just doing the job, I have a 100 watt on order so it has a bit of extra kick if needed. |
| infatuateddrummer |
Posted - 30/01/2011 : 16:00:47
Also I found it depends on size of viv too as I had a 60 watt bulb in a 4ft viv and it didn't have the power to heat that tank could only get 26c as maximum heat with it so now runnin a 100watt IR bulb and it spot on !! It very much trial and error I find and what works for u but I always buy on eBay!! |
| Royalbob |
Posted - 30/01/2011 : 14:47:46
quote:
Originally posted by keefy
sorry my bad i didnt phrase that very well.
Ok here goes lol
I want to give my royal the best type of heat.
I already have a ceramic bulb, and guard but not the holder.
I have seen the holders on ebay dont know why i didnt look on there in the first place really, just got zoned in on reptile shops.
I will go with that option unless there is a better option.
So is there a better option.
Sorry and regards.
Hi Keefy both an I.R bulb and a ceramic bulb will give and keep perfect temps for your royal. With a I.R bulb you will have to use a dimming Thermostat to control it and with a ceramic bulb you can use either a dimming or pulse proportionate stat. Both bulbs are left to run 24/7 as they are the hot spot and ambient temperature source. It comes down to personnel choice as the ceramic doesn't release any light but the I.R produces a constant dim red light. This light won't disturb your snake but might not be ideal for you. |
| Lotabob |
Posted - 30/01/2011 : 14:33:09
You'll have to give me the address for that forum, could be an interesting read. Not much use to anyone but funny to look at. |
| boze |
Posted - 30/01/2011 : 14:10:00
My god we're a polite bunch :-) There are other places where there'd have been lots of swearing, a 2-man bandwagon loaded up with 15 people, 4 temporary bans and 3 broken windows over a thread like this.
I prefer it here haha ;-)
D |
| Blackecho |
Posted - 30/01/2011 : 09:32:47
Don't worry Danny, I was a bit confused too, all sorted now
Personally (as with reasons above) I use IR bulbs. |
| reptiledanny |
Posted - 30/01/2011 : 08:34:01
Sorry about my confusion lol
I bought a bubo holder on bay, I bought one the ones that comes as the setup with the wire and plug and you have to put it together, looks really good and was easy to setup ( for my dad lol) |
| keefy |
Posted - 30/01/2011 : 00:41:54
sorry my bad i didnt phrase that very well.
Ok here goes lol
I want to give my royal the best type of heat.
I already have a ceramic bulb, and guard but not the holder.
I have seen the holders on ebay dont know why i didnt look on there in the first place really, just got zoned in on reptile shops.
I will go with that option unless there is a better option.
So is there a better option.
Sorry and regards.
|
| Lotabob |
Posted - 30/01/2011 : 00:17:47
That really is a bargain, I think I may go get some and put them away for when I upgrade my viv collection. |
| n/a |
Posted - 29/01/2011 : 23:22:13
And Blue Lizard (they're online, just google) are selling bulb guards for £8 at present (rrp £20.) Another bargain. |
| infatuateddrummer |
Posted - 29/01/2011 : 23:14:40
eBay with lead and plug under 4quid bargain |
| Lotabob |
Posted - 29/01/2011 : 20:55:11
Not having a go just reassuring, the title is a bit off subject but got my attention (just been through the same battle). There is usually only 1 good answer to 'where can I get' questions, it has to be Sir E of Bay. |
| reptiledanny |
Posted - 29/01/2011 : 20:50:37
quote:
Originally posted by Lotabob
quote:
Originally posted by keefy
I want to upgrade the heating in my viv for my royal...
i now want to change to ceramic/other type of heat source...
WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMEND...
Its a 3ft by 1ft by about 1ft high viv.
Your advice is greatly appreciated
I think its clear what was asked.
ye i get that, but the title ses ceramic bulb holders. i didn't mean it in a mean way, i just wanted to know what info he wanted
I think its clear what was asked.
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