Incandescent Light Frustration

[Tom]

I have a laser thermometer that I use to measure around the enclosure to spot check, in addition to digital thermometer/hygrometers on the hot and cold sides. I can't say that I've shined it directly on the shell surface. What shell temp do you shoot for while basking?

I wouldn't bother with infrared temp gunning the shell surface. There are too many variables for that to be useful info. If you do, it should always be under 100. Best to check the basking temp using the method described in post number 18 above.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Although the trend is/was to phase out all incandescent bulbs, they are still relatively easy to find in some areas. Like Florida.
It seems like every retail store has them. Including dollar stores. (Where I got my 40 watts for my Chameleons)
In a pinch, a member from one of these states can send you some to get you by.

 

[SinLA]

Although the trend is/was to phase out all incandescent bulbs, they are still relatively easy to find in some areas. Like Florida.
It seems like every retail store has them. Including dollar stores. (Where I got my 40 watts for my Chameleons)
In a pinch, a member from one of these states can send you some to get you by.

@ZEROPILOT if you wanted to go into business selling us lightbulbs, I think you would make a pretty penny

 

[ZEROPILOT]

@ZEROPILOT if you wanted to go into business selling us lightbulbs, I think you would make a pretty penny

Except that I always lose money with every transaction

 

[Zathras]

I wouldn't bother with infrared temp gunning the shell surface. There are too many variables for that to be useful info. If you do, it should always be under 100. Best to check the basking temp using the method described in post number 18 above.

I have one on the basking area. I just was an idiot and read it as "put the digital thermometer on the tortoise's back, and let it sit for an hour." Man, I really should have read that sentence again before posting.

 

[SinLA]

Except that I always lose money with every transaction

I feel like that is a YOU problem...

 

[margosha]

Higher wattage bulb might be suitable, but get a good thermometer and be sure what the substrate and tortoise's temperature are. Infra-red is the part of the spectrum that corresponds with heat production. You can buy combination heat and UV bulbs, but use with caution... they need UV, but needs to be controlled, and some are too intense and can harm the animal's eyes.

I’m currently using the Arcadia 12% HO T5 for UV so that situation is all gravy.

 

[margosha]

Although the trend is/was to phase out all incandescent bulbs, they are still relatively easy to find in some areas. Like Florida.
It seems like every retail store has them. Including dollar stores. (Where I got my 40 watts for my Chameleons)
In a pinch, a member from one of these states can send you some to get you by.

No such luck here in Ohio surprise, surprise. But thanks for the info! I think while I wait and hope for incandescents to come back on the market, I'll switch to the Fluker's since they are cheaper and more readily available around here. Seems like the safest option.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

No such luck here in Ohio surprise, surprise. But thanks for the info! I think while I wait and hope for incandescents to come back on the market, I'll switch to the Fluker's since they are cheaper and more readily available around here. Seems like the safest option.

Remember to mount the incandescent bulbs where they won't be moved around. Especially while still hot.
Jostling around a bulb with a hot filament will quickly kill it.
They're not great for mounting on a lid of any kind that needs to be raised, lowered or can be bumped or subject to vibration.
Lessons learned the hard way.

 

[margosha]

Remember to mount the incandescent bulbs where they won't be moved around. Especially while still hot.
Jostling around a bulb with a hot filament will quickly kill it.
They're not great for mounting on a lid of any kind that needs to be raised, lowered or can be bumped or subject to vibration.
Lessons learned the hard way.

Got it, thanks!