Heat lamps rusting

[Anejodave]

I'm having a problem with my overhead heat lamps rusting out. Is this a common problem? It is the only heat source being used beyond keeping the house warm. I'd rather not have to keep buying new lamps every few months.

 

[gecko4245]

I'm having a problem with my overhead heat lamps rusting out. Is this a common problem? It is the only heat source being used beyond keeping the house warm. I'd rather not have to keep buying new lamps every few months.

I never had any lamps rust before. You are not using a heat mat?

 

[Anejodave]

Nope. The critter likes to crawl up onto the heated surface and bask there like she would in the wild.

 

[hamby92]

the only thing i could think of is a build up of high humidity in the tank rusting them out over time. i would definatly invest in a heat pad for your tank

 

[grboxa]

I agree, I would invest in a heat mat if I were you, they need it for digestion

 

[LZRDGRL]

I also use overhead heat lamps in my wooden cages, where you're not allowed to attach a UTH. They never rusted, but they burn out regularly, so I also have to buy a couple of new ones every month.

Is the humidity in your house really high? I'm from a very humid region (sooo humid that leather shoes and jackets mold if they're in a wardrobe, not in the open air!). A dehumidifier might help. Otherwise, it could happen if you mist/spray your tank. What kind of critter do you have, a leo or an AFT or something else? If you sprayed before, for some animals you don't need it.

My AFTs are in glass tanks with UTH, so I can mist them. I have to exchange the paper towels in the moist hide every other day, because they get moldy, too.

We just have to live with that Sometimes, I really miss the dry German air :main_laugh:

Chrissy

 

[Joao]

I'm assuming that your using the home depot style all metal ones?

Spray paint those, or buy the petstore lights that are better quality and are already painted inside and out.

 

[Dog Shrink]

Invest in a uth. Leos are thigmatherms, not heliotherms like bearded dragons, and need belly heat. What your leo is doing isn't trying to enjoy the higher rocks that are heated by the lights to bask, its trying to reach a point where the heat is high enough on a surface they can belly up on to properly thermoregulate. The bright basking lights stress leos out and if your leo is compelled to come out when this light is on to thermoregulate isn't doing it any good if you aren't providing a consistant floor heat 24/7. You can't do that with lights with out stressing your leo imo.