major problem

[fish_master2000]

I have a desk lamp that i use as heat lamp for my turtle. it started smelling one day so i unscrewed the bulb and found this

so when i unscrewed the heat bulb it looked all discolored around the socket.

and this is the inside of the lamp

is it safe for me to keep using the lamp and bulb setup ot should i just abandon it. i need a heat source for him.

and the lamp is rated for 60watt, and the bulb is 60watt

 

[Journeykc]

I think you will be alright. The discoloration looks to be from a low quality metal used to make the bulb, like the heat started to alter the metal. I use a small indoor light fixture, kinda like a mounted lamp, and I have had no problems. Your lamp looks to be alright, might just try a new or better bulb. How old was the bulb?

 

[fish_master2000]

few days old ran all night and all day and started getting a weird smell

the box didnt say if it was a plastic socket but i ran the light for almost two days and the socket feels kinda rough

also can i use aluminum foil to direct the heat more?

 

[Journeykc]

Is the lamp on the inside or outside of the tank? I have mine on the outside for my ball python, and it seems to work just fine with nothing to deflect the heat, but I have the bulb pressed against the glass. The whole side of the tank gets warm, but not to hot to burn him.

 

[fish_master2000]

it sets above my RES tank with a metal screen between them.

so you think i can still keep using it.

its supposed to be a desk lamp, but the watts are all correct and everything so i said "why not lets save some money"

 

[fish_master2000]

it get to about 83' but wanna get a little higher temp

it kinda looks like thishttp://images5.sortprice.com/img/4161/pFyF75c0fvbE1BUITu

got it from walmart for $10

lamp shade is different

 

[Journeykc]

There shouldn't be anything wrong with the lamp. I work in a plastic factory, and for most industrial plastics it takes a whole lot of heat to get them to melt. I think the problem may be with the bulb, and since those are cheap, I would try another bulb before you buy a different lamp. If you do decide to buy a different lamp, don't go to the pet store, try your nearest Rural King or farm type store. They sell a fixture that is all aluminum with a spring loaded clip for about half the price of pet stores.

 

[fish_master2000]

i really dont think anything is burning per say but just really the heat smells lol

but i wont be able to make it to a store for awhile so you think i can stick with the bulb for a week or two

 

[fish_master2000]

what do plastic and porcelain sockets feel like

if i wanted more heat from the bulb would foil reflect more to the basking spot

 

[Journeykc]

If the bulb still works, then I don't see any reason why you can't keep using it. The worst I think would happen is the bulb will burn out. Regardless of wattage the lamp should be rated for well over 100 degrees since your average lightbulb puts out at least that much heat