microclimate B1ME thermostat - Whats the best bulb?

[Gaboon]

Originally Posted by geck123

i keep my cresteds at the same temperature day and night,and allow the lights in my apartment provide the photo period.i'd just use the red light for heat,and forget about any other light bulb.

I could but im to much of a perfectionist. I know they would be fine the way you suggested though, but as i said .

Thanks

[Gaboon]

Just to let you know this is i have sorted this by installing a mini strip light (white), and putting in a red bulb for 24hr heating. The strip light is on a 12hr timer allowing the correct photoperiod and activating the ''magic eye'' of the stat.

Thanks for the replies

[all4x]

Hey Gaboon have you ever tried heat pads? Those ones made by Zoo med that stick under the tank? Or has anyone? My 60W red bulb isn't working very well except for like 5 degrees and its really had to keep the heat up, do you guys think that heat pad would work?

[Gaboon]

Originally Posted by all4x

Hey Gaboon have you ever tried heat pads? Those ones made by Zoo med that stick under the tank? Or has anyone? My 60W red bulb isn't working very well except for like 5 degrees and its really had to keep the heat up, do you guys think that heat pad would work?

Hi mate,
I initially had them in a set up heated by a heat pad through a stat but i was told on another forum a bulb of some description is best. The reason being that heat pads unless mounted on the lid or ceiling of the enclosure will provide an improper heat gradient. Bulbs will on the other hand radiate heat from above and throughout the tank much more efficiently. Basically providing not only a hot spot (controlled by stat) but also a good ambient temperature and a radiant.

What wattage is your bulb? You may need i higher wattage. Mine seems to be working well now but the weather has become a little more bearable here. If you go for a higher wattage and set the stat to the temperature you want you should have better results.

[geck123]

i'm assuming your heat source sits on top the tank,if it does,and you haven't already done it,put a stick in he can climb towards the heat source.buy a thermometer with a probe on it so you can take different readings at different points along the branch,or whatever he has to climb on.you should let the probe sit in one place at least 20 minutes to get an accurate reading. make sure the gecko can't come in contact with the bulb so you don't have to worry about burns.

Originally Posted by all4x

Hey Gaboon have you ever tried heat pads? Those ones made by Zoo med that stick under the tank? Or has anyone? My 60W red bulb isn't working very well except for like 5 degrees and its really had to keep the heat up, do you guys think that heat pad would work?

[Gaboon]

Originally Posted by geck123

i'm assuming your heat source sits on top the tank,if it does,and you haven't already done it,put a stick in he can climb towards the heat source.buy a thermometer with a probe on it so you can take different readings at different points along the branch,or whatever he has to climb on.you should let the probe sit in one place at least 20 minutes to get an accurate reading. make sure the gecko can't come in contact with the bulb so you don't have to worry about burns.

Hi,

Yes the geckos have two nice basking branches veering upwards about 40 degrees under the light. The stat probe is more or less 6 inches beneath the light and is banded to a thermometer (i do this with all my stats with the just to make sure its accurate and if not to collaborate them) to keep an eye on things. Apart from this i use an infra red thermometer to take reading from other areas in the cage.

[all4x]

I have a big cypress branch that he can climb toward the heat source but he is always in his fake hanging pothos. He never ventures out unless he wants his reptisun Which is very rare. I did put a cellophane wrap(plastic wrap) over one part of his exo terra and the canopy top on the other side. That way it will increase moisture and keep the moisture at 70%-75%.

Originally Posted by geck123

i'm assuming your heat source sits on top the tank,if it does,and you haven't already done it,put a stick in he can climb towards the heat source.buy a thermometer with a probe on it so you can take different readings at different points along the branch,or whatever he has to climb on.you should let the probe sit in one place at least 20 minutes to get an accurate reading. make sure the gecko can't come in contact with the bulb so you don't have to worry about burns.

[geck123]

sounds like your doing a good job,and it will just take a little experimenting to get it right.

[Gaboon]

Cheers i think its finally all OK . I also have fake plants which they hide amongst around the top end and theres caves and a next box on the floor if they need a cooler retreat.

Its crazy, they are like clockwork, i spray them every evening after lights out and only then do they spring into action lapping up the water and then exploring. Really cool animals . Thanks for all your help fellow reptile anoraks .