Fire hazard... ?

[DawnH]

I have a 36" wide 18"deep 17" tall habitat inside for our five week old Sulcata. The lighting that I purchased isn't keeping it warm enough and I want to make sure this new stuff I purchased isn't going to create a fire hazard (I live in a smaller town and ceramic housing lights are GONE. Either sold out or they just don't carry it so I had to order a few things.) I purchased two "Fluckers" 8.5" clamp lamps. I also purchased a Zoo Med 100W Ceramic Infrared heat emitter. In one of the lamps I have a "basic" 65 watt flood light.

I want to put these directly on the screen that came with this set up.

A few questions. The clamp lamps say to not use them unless you use 150 watt type A or smaller lamp (see picture.) The CHE says to only use with a Zoo Med stand.

Is this just to get you to use their products? Is this set up safe?

Can I place them directly on the screen as shown?

Where should they be? I understand about a warmer and cooler side but with these larger fixtures I cannot have both on one side, they need to be next to each other in the back (off to the side.) Is this okay? I am assuming the fern will fry under the CHE so I should move it. (?)

I have the flood bulb on now, humidity is perfect but I needed to get my temp warmer (it would only get to 82 at the hottest part under the lamp.) So I know a lot will depend on where we are once it is on for a bit (these just arrived.)

I just want to make sure it is safe to have them on the screens and the wattage/housing I am using is safe.

No UVB is being used since he will be outside during the day, weather permitting.

Thanks for the help.

Dawn

**PLEASE NOTE!! We have a towel over the uncovered part for the moment. I want to figure out where the lamps will go so we can get plexiglass cut to keep the heat/humidity in better. As it stands now, humidity rocks, heat is "meh." **

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"Clamp lamp" sticker...

 

[DawnH]

Anyone??

 

[tiffanyluvstorts]

That's how
Mine is for
My leopard gecko. 75 watt. And it's fine. Has been for about a year.


My babies 4 humans, 4 doggies, 2 Russians, 1 leopard gecko, 1 tarantula and a hermit crab. [SMILING FACE WITH HEART-SHAPED EYES]

 

[Millerlite]

I personally never use the plastic fixtures because I've burnt the plastic on those one to many time. Can you buy one online? Better safe then sorry

 

[DawnH]

Thanks Tiffany! Miller - sorry for the confusion, YES. I ordered two "Fluckers" lamps (as shown) and they have the porcelain housing. I had to order online.

I am totally green with this so I want to make sure the bulbs I use are safe in them as well as placing them ON the screen top.

 

[Tom]

Hi Dawn. Your set up looks okay, but I MUCH prefer to hang the light from over head and skip the screen. The screen is blocking some of your heat and light and keeping your lamps too far away to do their job. Its just a question of time until one of those fixtures falls or gets knocked off and breaks or starts a fire.

Side by side is fine. Do the light bulb near the end and CHE closer to the middle.

And yes move the fern.

 

[DawnH]

Thanks Tom. My humidity rocks but the heat is still a big issue. Walk me though this if you will (photo?) How do I hang them safely? Do I use some type of stick across? Do I put the screen back over it and then cover that? Right now it is a nightmare getting him/her out. (Move the lights/try not to burn myself/juggle the towel and screen, etc.) I know there is an easier way, I just have never done this before and don't know what it is. *sigh* The towel will be replaced with plexiglass once I figure this all out.

 

[klinej50]

Just a suggestion I know you said you were getting plexiglass but my suggestion would be try and find real glass(it's way cheaper) I got mine at Home Depot for 7$ rather than 30$ for plexiglass. And since you said you were having a hard time holding everything I got hinges and gorilla glued my glass.

 

[Jd3]

Just a suggestion I know you said you were getting plexiglass but my suggestion would be try and find real glass(it's way cheaper) I got mine at Home Depot for 7$ rather than 30$ for plexiglass. And since you said you were having a hard time holding everything I got hinges and gorilla glued my glass.

Instead of trying to glue to glass(which will not work long term) look at replacement hinges for aquarium lids. Cheap and work much better.

I agree on glass. Cheaper and safer with lights.

Plexi will bow over time no matter what you do. Exposure to heat and moisture will speed that up.

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Build a stand for the lights. 2x4s screwed into a U shape shape to allow the lights to hang freely is easy. Aid it tall enough so that you can adjust the hight up and down. Ditch the screen as it serves no purpose. Unless you have a cat....

 

[klinej50]

I should probably look into the aquarium hinges too. Oops good thing mine is only a temporary enclosure[SMIRKING FACE]

 

[Jd3]

I should probably look into the aquarium hinges too. Oops good thing mine is only a temporary enclosure[SMIRKING FACE]

It's ok! I only know from experience....

 

[klinej50]

Ha well it was my moms idea. I actually thought it would be okay to screw nails in it. That doesn't work either and I ended up with 3 big cracks and a waist of 30$

 

[Tom]

I like to use coffee cup holder hooks to hang the fixtures by their cords. You can move the enclosure under something like a shelf or cabinet, or make something out of wood to hold them. If you put a piece of plywood under the tank, make some 2x4 uprights and then drop a 2x4 across the uprights, you will be able to hang whatever you want over your tank. Also, ZooMed makes some decent light stands, just for this purpose. Might look nicer than 2x4s in your living room. Personally I would just do something quick and easy, and just get busy building your 4x8' closed chamber. This little tank is only going to last a couple of months anyway.

 

[Levi the Leopard]

I keep my domes sitting on the screen. I have the same tank as you.
I keep the CHE in the middle plugged into a thermostat with the probe in the farthest corner of the tank. I have the basking bulb next to the CHE on one side in the corner. If a 65 watt isn't hot enough try a 75 watt.

You can choose to hang the lights but if it hangs above the screen too high you'll have gaps causing the humidity to escape.

Sent from my VS840 4G using TortForum mobile app

 

[DawnH]

Thank you SO much everyone! GREAT tips and tricks. I appreciate the help. I am already thinking about his/her next space. This one is great (for this wee moment in time) but I want to create an AMAZING Sulcata theme park for him/her (hey, I can dream) for the next habitat. Space is an issue but I am already looking at what piece of furniture I can sell (or which child) to create more.

You guys are awesome!

 

[alysciaingram]

Lol I'm sure your children would be less than pleased to be rehoused for the tortoise

 

[Jd3]

Lol I'm sure your children would be less than pleased to be rehoused for the tortoise

Time for them to get a job!