Heat lamp fixture?

[Mount_Prion]

I'm looking to set up a heat lamp over the basking spot in the turtle swamp I'm building. The tank is 6'x2', and I was planning on getting a 24'' lighting fixture that uses halogen lights and angling it (so it fits in the width of the tank) above the heating space.

The reason I want a fixture like this rather than a round metal one is because I want to be able to cover it with/hide it in foliage so it's not visible, and not risk starting a (hilariously ironic) fire in the swamp.

2 questions:

Are halogen lights OK for heating? Not sure what's the right type.

And do you think it's possible for me to get mercury lights that'd fit into a fixture like this and kill 2 birds with one stone?

Also, very open to recommendations for heat lamp fixtures that wouldn't have a very hot exterior and would fit in my tank.

As always, thanks!

 

[Mount_Prion]

I should add that this is a Hagen ExoTerra fixture. Can't find a link to the exact model.

Would love input on this as it's the last thing I really need to assemble for my tank to be ready to make the conversion to turtle swamp.

 

[Mount_Prion]

Please, anybody? New to this and this is the one limiting factor holding me back from having everything to complete my setup.

 

[kevinfleming21]

I really have no clue on the heating element of the halogen. What you can do is just set up the lamp, then test the temp in the basking area. That way, if you need to adjust bulbs you will have a starting point to go on.

 

[F1 VET]

Depends on if there is water near, possible splashing will result in the bulbs blowing up, they make special halogen bulbs that are water resistant, kinda pricey but worth it, it will take care of heating, then u could always use a cheap flourecent.




Go S. Vettel #1 rb8

 

[Mount_Prion]

Depends on if there is water near, possible splashing will result in the bulbs blowing up, they make special halogen bulbs that are water resistant, kinda pricey but worth it, it will take care of heating, then u could always use a cheap flourecent.


Go S. Vettel #1 rb8

Thanks! That's a danger I hadn't even much considered. I'll be careful.

 

[Gill Blue]

you can use anything you want for heat, and halogens do throw the heat. I used a 250W incandescent spot for my chuckwalla. basking temp was 130 degrees. like kevin said, measure the temps. it's the only way to be sure. and don't forget to allow for the changes in ambient temps too.
and you want to have the UV source next to a bright light so their pupils will dilate closed to avoid cataracts.

 

[Mount_Prion]

Just got a sort of double-dome fixture thing, sort of like two of the metal domes connected for big screw-in bulbs, but it's black so should be easier to hide.

Is there a such thing as splash-resistant mercury bulbs? Or should I just get the splash-resistant heat bulbs and get uvb elsewhere? Like, UVB should be throughout their environment rather than just in the basking area, yes?

 

[Gill Blue]

UV should be next to something bright. if you have UV coverage throughout the entire tank their pupils will open in the dimmer area and allow the UV into their eyes causing blindness through retinal damage and/or cataracts.

 

[Mount_Prion]

UV should be next to something bright. if you have UV coverage throughout the entire tank their pupils will open in the dimmer area and allow the UV into their eyes causing blindness through retinal damage and/or cataracts.

Gotcha. How much of the tank should I cover with UVB, though? Like, 30% of it? 50%? Or just a small area? Trying to figure out if they need it all day or only occasionally.