I am switching on of my old fish tanks to a reptile tank and I have a question. I have my 55 gallon tank and I have the 2 canopies on top but oviously they do not heat anything. I was wondering if it was possible to get the 18 inch bulbs that go into the light but ones that heat that tank. If not what kind of heating can I get? Thanks
Please Help
- Thread starter xFLEAxx
- Start date
No, florescent tubes don't give off that much heat. Also, most reptiles will need better air flow than a normal aquarium canopy provides, so I'd start off getting a screen top and then you can use the same lights for florescent UV bulbs if the species you put in it requires UV. Then you can use a dome lamp for heat if needed. They also make under-tank heating pads and cables
What do you plan to keep? I've only had lizards but I second what andyjs said. Get or make a screen top and use your existing lights for general lighting. Then get a heat light (usually pretty cheap) and place it over a basking spot.
okay thanks alot for the help guys I really appreciate it.
I am planning on getting a bearded dragon.
I am planning on getting a bearded dragon.
well what do plan on housing in there, different reptiles require different lighting but as far as i know you should be able to put heat emitting or UVA/UVB lights in a standard hood
sorry didnt see the bearded dragon part... yeah do one hood for lights/UVA or UVB and have like a clamp lamp or heat lamp of somekind on the other end
They also make heated flat rocks. However, be careful or you might burn the lizards. My friend had a albino Burmese Python and was using the heated rocks. For some reason, the python didn't get off of it and died on the rock from the heat. I don't know why I'm telling you to get something that killed my friend's snake. But maybe he didn't use it correctly. Lost a lot of money for the snake. The Doctor.,
Like said, screen top and use the lights for FULL SPECTRUM (a and b) bulbs. That's how the beardy will absorb his calcium (don't forget your powder), among other things. Don't use heat rocks, they blow. I've known so many people to have scarred or dead reptiles from those pieces of crap. Just put a dome at one end of the tank with a piece of slate under it. This will give the heat rock effect, without the chance of overheating, as well as a hot side of the tank and a cool down side.