[Moosenart]

i have 2 tanks i need to heat, i have 50 watt purple/"moon" bulbs close to the screen on the tanks. I am thinking about 3 inch heat tape and a thermostat... Just looking for what you guys do... any help is valued!

[raiderchick]

Heating can be tricky since when you add a bulb, especially as strong as a 50watt it's going to zap a bunch of your humidity. If you have the money, I'd recommend getting large heat mats for each tank and putting them on the bottom. They do help and the heat rises up into the tank without compromising your humidity. So look at the sizes on them and measure your tanks. If in doubt, probably better to go with the bigger one than the smaller one.

In the mean time I'd say go ahead and use the bulb but make sure the rest of the top is mostly covered. I use plexiglass or saran wrap and mist regularly. I use 25watt bulbs if I need to, but that depends on how cold your place gets.

I also have some handwarmers in a closet in case we lose power. Good to keep in the winter.

[Moosenart]

my tanks are live planted, so i cant do a mat unless i put it on a vertical service. My place at night is around 59F... the 50 watt moon are keeping the tanks around 65-73 depending on indoor temps and how far i put the bulb. i found a $30 thermostat and $5 heat tape. i think i am gonna go with that approach.

[acpart]

I don't heat my rhac enclosures though there is some heat generated from the lights for the plants. My house also gets down to the low 60's at night in the winter and so far the crestie has been fine for 6 years, the older garg has been doing well for a year and a half and the younger one hasn't experienced winter yet.

Aliza