|
|
Post by suprpntr on Nov 5, 2008 13:07:48 GMT -5
Thinking about buying one of those ceramic heat lamps for my iguana for his outside cage. Thought I read somewhere that no higher than 100 watts is good?
First, are they any good?
Enclosed area will be 2ft wide, 4 ft long, 18" high. The entire cage is 6ft high.
Its currently an open mesh cage. I am making coverings that can be slid on at night and removed during the day.
Any comments, imput?
thanks
|
|
|
|
Post by ChamZilla on Nov 5, 2008 17:36:27 GMT -5
Hey there, Are you going to keep him/her outside all year long? Where are you? It is very dangerous for someone to keep an iguana outdoors if the temperature at night falls below 70F. Even if you heat the enclosure all night long what would happen if the hydro were to go out in the night? Just giving you some points to consider. The Ceramic heat emitters (CHE's) work wonderful BUT they are VERY hot to the touch and WILL cause major burns if your iguana touch's it or even if you touch it. Even if it is for ONE second. I've been burnt by mine a few times so decided to not use it anymore. I had it on the outdoor of the enclosure so the reptiles can't reach it. They work great but that is the BIG draw back of them. You can get other heat emmiters that don't get hot. I will post back with the link to that.  |
|
|
|
Post by suprpntr on Nov 5, 2008 20:27:16 GMT -5
We live in San Diego. 'Lizard' is getting too big for his indoor cage and we can't keep him in anymore. Outdoor cage will be under the patio, out of the elements. Was planning to put a wire cage, or some sort of covering around the heat lamp like I have seen in the pet stores.
Just because pet stores do it doesn't mean it is always the best option. Decided to look online and get other opinions. Would you recommend a different heat option?
|
|
|
|
Post by ChamZilla on Nov 7, 2008 0:22:32 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by suprpntr on Nov 7, 2008 0:52:38 GMT -5
Very cool, thanks for the links.
Questions; I always thought the heat pads could burn the lizards. I like this option but would it be enough under current conditions I described for his cage?
As for the emitter, it just heats with no light? Would prefer no light.
The concern about the heat source failing is a valid question. One I don't have a good answer for. Is there an option?
Just trying to do what is best for Lizard. He is like a member of the family after all.
|
|
|
|
Post by ChamZilla on Nov 7, 2008 11:28:01 GMT -5
Hey there,
the heat emmiter isn't a heat pad, it is suspended from the ceiling. For either one of those heat sources there is no light. And both can't burn your lizard.
As for the if the hydro goes out, I hacec no clue, you could try looking up battery back up systems or something. My neighbour has a generator hooked up to his whole house because of his fish ponds. IF the hydro goes out the generator takes only a few minutes then kicks in. It cost a few bucks to install but is way worth it if there are anymore black outs or anything like that. (we were involved in the 2 day black out a few years back)
Other than that maybe there is some kind of alarm you could get that goes off if the power goes out at night to let you know so you could go out and bring him in.
My guys/girls live in large enclosures inside the house, and if the hydro were to go out for 8 or 9 hours there temperature still wouldn't go below 70. And here it goes down to -30 some winter nights in the winter months.
Do you know what the coldist temperatures there are? like at nights?
|
|
|
|
Post by suprpntr on Nov 10, 2008 21:42:05 GMT -5
Thanks for your help.
I am going to try the heat emitter first, they claim one will be enough to heat the area, we will see.
I liked the heat panels, but very expensive. I will seriously consider that option though once I get the cage the way I want it and both Lizard and I are happy. I suspect it may have to go through several modifcations first.
|
|
