Heat emitter or red bulb?

[phoneguy]

I'm looking to raise the ambient air temp. in my tank. I am running an UTH 24/7 with a herpstat thermostat. Would it be better to use a red night bulb or a ceramic heat emitter? I was planning to use a lamp dimmer to control the heat output because this is not the main heat source.

 

[Srt14292]

Well there is no real need to increase the air temps in the viv, as you have the UTH running its all the heat they need however if you insist (you must keep an eye out for high humidity inside the tank with higher air temps as the water will evaporate quicker, I would suggest using the red bulb, either will work but make sure the bulb doesn't hang down too low or could be reached by the gecko, and get a bulb guard.
Just remember keep those eyes on the temps, and hook it up to a dimmer stat as well.

 

[GeckoTrouble]

I use red bulbs when it gets colder in my house to raise the ambient temps in the vivs.

 

[Tony C]

I would use a red or black bulb, they are far less expensive than ceramics and the small amount of light doesn't seem to bother geckos.

 

[phoneguy]

I would use a red or black bulb, they are far less expensive than ceramics and the small amount of light doesn't seem to bother geckos.

Thanks. Wow those ceramic heat emitters are expensive. I never checked the price. I think I will go with the red bulb.

 

[serialzombie]

I would use a red or black bulb, they are far less expensive than ceramics and the small amount of light doesn't seem to bother geckos.

I've not yet used a red bulb, but I'm fairly certain that my black light is fully capable of disturbing my geckos. I've observed pupil dilation and "squinting" while under blacklight. As well as a retreat to the hide until the light was off.

That being said, while it doesn't seem to bother them as much as other light sources, I'm saving up to purchase a ceramic element, as opposed to red bulbs.

 

[Tony C]

I use both and haven't had any trouble from the geckos, but my Phyllomedusine tree frogs will fold up and go back to sleep shortly after I switch one on.

 

[phoneguy]

I broke down and bought the heat emitter. It was more expensive but its supposed to last at least 5 years, plus I dont have to worry about any light issues.

 

[Khrysty]

I really like the ceramic heat emitters. Yeah, they are more expensive but they work great

 

[Pure]

Unless you are only heating one or 2 enclosures, the ideal way to raise the ambient temp is to do so with heating the whole room. Oil filled space radiators, such as these are a far more officiant, and easier to maintain a constant heat in EVERY enclosures. They are the safest on the market and the most energy eficiant. They have a tried and true history of providing a stable (safe) heat for the entire room, negating having to constantly monitor heat levels in various vivs. And long term use, they are bar non for safety and efficient energy consummation.,