We often get asked about which heat source is the best to use and the answer is that it will depend upon what animal you are keeping and what sort of enclosure you are keeping it in. Heat light bulbs - produce quick, radiant heat in a specific location so work well with basking species such as dragons and skinks. The visible light given off helps to light your cage as well as providing a visual stimulus to your pets encouraging them to bask. Being visible light it is easy to see that your bulbs are working. The downsides to light bulbs include the fact that they heat the air in enclosures so the heat generated is easily lost through ventilation and temps can quickly drop when bulbs are turned off. They can dry the air in enclosures which can be an issue for some species. They are not very long lasting and can be somewhat unreliable and easy to blow if used incorrectly. Ceramic heat emitter bulbs - are recommended as they fit into your standard lighting sockets but are much more reliable and longer lasting than glass light bulbs. They do not give off visible light which makes them suitable for 24 hours heating where required. They work well with both basking species and ambient heat dwellers. Downsides to heat emitters is that there is no visible cue if they are not working (so best used in conjunction with a thermostat) and they get very hot to the touch so should generally be used with light protector cages. Heat mat and heat cords - are great for species that require belly warmth such as most pythons and skinks such as Blue-tongues. They can be used inside or under enclosures provided that they are well ventilated. A great way to use them is to place them under a ceramic tile or thin stone inside the enclosure so that they heat the stone/tile and your pets can bask on the heated stone/tile. Best also used with a thermostat to ensure that they work to their best. Heat rocks - we do not sell nor recommend heat rocks as they can be problematic. The problem with them can be hot spots that can burn your pets if the heating element inside the rock is not laid evenly. Best to create your hot rock with a heat mat or cord as above. If you have any questions about heating please let us know.
Posted on: Fri, 01 Nov 2013 07:04:38 +0000
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