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sandi
Hatchling
United Kingdom
150 Posts |
 Posted - 08/04/2011 : 08:38:50
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Hello!
Can anyone tell me what size (watts) ceramic heat bulb i need in a 5 foot viv for a BCI?
Also, what size in a 3 ft viv for a royal and can it be hooked up to a dimming stat (habistat)? I've read that it can but want to be doubly sure.
I am aware of the need for ceramic bulb holders/heat resistant cable etc, just unsure of wattage! |
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Hammy
New Member
United Kingdom
68 Posts |
Posted - 08/04/2011 : 08:47:39
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Well I have a 100w ceramic in the 3ft viv's for our royals on dimmer stats as I have found that higher wattage ceramics cause less fluctuation on temp changes. The lower wattage ones take longer to warm up when the stat comes on and therefore allows for the temp fluctuations... Just my observation, but others may beg to differ.. Remember guards for them though as they do get *flamin'* hot :)
Unsure about a 5ft viv.. Trial and error I guess, but I would stab a guess at 150w :)
Paul. |
Live for today and let tomorrow look after itself! |
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gmac
Grumpy Scots Admin
United Kingdom
710 Posts |
Posted - 08/04/2011 : 12:33:45
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quote:
Originally posted by Hammy
Well I have a 100w ceramic in the 3ft viv's for our royals on dimmer stats as I have found that higher wattage ceramics cause less fluctuation on temp changes. The lower wattage ones take longer to warm up when the stat comes on and therefore allows for the temp fluctuations... Just my observation, but others may beg to differ.. Remember guards for them though as they do get *flamin'* hot :)
Unsure about a 5ft viv.. Trial and error I guess, but I would stab a guess at 150w :)
Paul.
Agree with Hammy, although you may get away with a 75W ceramic for a 3ft but would go bigger with the 5ft |
GMac
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sandi
Hatchling
United Kingdom
150 Posts |
Posted - 08/04/2011 : 20:23:12
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Thanks both of you!
will go for a 150w and see how it goes! |
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sandi
Hatchling
United Kingdom
150 Posts |
Posted - 13/04/2011 : 22:51:13
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Been doing a bit more research and others are using 150w in a 5ft viv so going for that, now, next question...
Is a 14cm x 14cm wide guard wide enough for a flat headed ceramic lamp that measures 8cm across (3cm gap all round)? or do i need a conical shaped ceramic? (dont want one of these as they dont last as long)
Other question: is there a difference between the black coloured, flat headed ceramic lamp and its white variant?
Wish i never started building this viv!!! |
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Hammy
New Member
United Kingdom
68 Posts |
Posted - 14/04/2011 : 09:53:39
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14cm seems good enough as there is a decent gap between the heater and guard to protect the skin. I have a conical in the 3ft and it's never been a problem. I have flat in the other ones and they are fine too. Mine are both of the white variant so can't comment on the black ones.
Paul. |
Live for today and let tomorrow look after itself! |
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sandi
Hatchling
United Kingdom
150 Posts |
Posted - 14/04/2011 : 16:05:29
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Thanks paul,
I have just ordered a white one and hope the measurements are right as i dont want to have to pay out for a new guard when i already have one. just have to work out how to get the temps right in the new viv while he is using the stat in the old viv...gonna be a quick change over at last moment i think. I will be standing by with my thermometer gun, clucking like a mother hen!!! |
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Topic |
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Heating question.
