What wattage?

[misky]

I've jusst been looking at some of the reptile supply sites and I am completely comfused when it comes to buying lights : : I am wanting to buy a basking light but I am confused as to which wattage to buy. Can someone give me any hints on how to work out which wattage I need?

Thanks In Advance

Cheers,
Misky

[Pyror]

Hey Misky,

It depends on what sized enclosure it is going into, and also what type of animal you will be keeping?

Ben

[playwell]

I use 100 watt reflectors in all my enclosures. I have dimmer that the light runs through.

I one size globe does all. With a dimmer you have every wattage in one. Just turn up or down.

You can still use a thermostat with it as well.

[MrBredli]

Playwell, where do you get your dimmers from and how much do you pay?

[ratsnakeroger]

At the moment I have been testing simmer stats the type that you get out of ovens ( for the hot plates) I am running them with 9metre heat cord on low and get a constant 30 degress at one end of the enclosure had no problems so far

[misky]

It would be fo a 100(L)X60(H)X60(W) enclosure to house a diamond python (approx 1 1/2 years old)

[Gilleni]

DO you have a thermostat?

[Pyror]

If it were me Misky, i would go for something mid range, say 60W-75W. Alternatively, as playwell has suggested- dimmers work really well and you can use those higher wattage globes.

Thermostats are a great fail safe if you live in areas where it is likely to get too hot, and they will allow you to maintain a constant temp, set by you. Although i know plenty of keepers who don't use them, and never will.

Regardless of what you chose, i would ensure that your enclosure is well ventillated, as diamonds thrive at comparitively cooler temps (than other python species).

Ben.

[misky]

Yes, Gilleni I do have a thermostat.

Thank you all for your helpful advice

[Surfcop24]

Not knocking what Pyror has just said.... But a 60-75 watt globe may spend 80-90% of the time on.... If you were to use a 100watt globe it will only spend 60-70% of the time on....

Where are you from... Because if you are in Vic or a southern state I think you may need 100watt for the cold winters down south..... I would go the 100wattt just to be safe.... And remember it is set up to the thermostat so you wont cook him unless you turn the heat up yourself...