black bulbs: good or blind?

aquamentus_11 · #1 11-18-2011, 04:45 PM

i read that black bulbs can cause blindness in reptiles, but, since most of you have recommended them, I am slow to believe this. however, having read it, i also can't ignore it until it's been debunked. can anyone debunk this?

what sort of wattage are people who are using black bulbs using for their tokays? i'm about to grab an 18x18x24" zoo med tomorrow

and need suggestions. i've been having a hard time getting even a 10gal tank up to 90 F with a 100watt UVB

**Riverside Reptiles** · #2 11-19-2011, 11:18 AM

I recommend a CHE (ceramic heat emitter). It doesn't put off ANY light...just heat. Put it on a thermostat, and the thermostat will keep it at the proper temps for you. These are nocturnal animals and don't require special uv lighting (or any lighting at all really).
Here's some examples of CHEs: Reptile Ceramic Heat Emitters, Heating Elements and Bulbs
And here's an example of a cheap thermostat: Amazon.com: Hydrofarm MTPRTC Digital Thermostat For Heat Mats: Patio, Lawn & Garden

aquamentus_11 · #3 11-19-2011, 12:16 PM

i'm using one now, but it doesn't get the proper daytime temps: that 150 watt one looks perfect. i think that the CHE is ideal, but i want to be able to get a look at him at night while disturbing him as little as possible. hence, the black light.

**Riverside Reptiles** · #4 11-19-2011, 02:05 PM

Any light that you use shouldn't be left on all night long. It should be turned on only when you want to view the animal. It's a wives tale that geckos can't see red light. And the light from a black light can cause problems with vision when used for extended periods of time. In short, if you want night time heating, a light is not the appropriate solution. If you want a light for viewing, a red or black light is fine for turning on for a few minutes, but not extended periods of time. If you're using a CHE and can't achieve proper temps in a ten gallon tank, something's wrong. Your room temps must be extremely cold or your CHE is either way too small or not operating properly.

chelseagrin · #5 11-19-2011, 02:10 PM

i use a moonlight bulb, not to see them but i have a tokay so its nocturnal and if i didnt have that my tank would be pitch black because my room has no windows and the doors always shut. the way nocturnal animals see at night is they gather what light there is in the surrounding area to see. if it is entirely pitch black even the nocturnal animals cant see.

aquamentus_11 · #6 11-19-2011, 05:31 PM

picked up an 18x18x24" today with an 150 watt CME and thermostat. Lurk is frolicking and tasting it all. his tail's looking a bit thicker, but his pelvis is still pretty prominent. i'll post some pics tomorrow.

@chelsea: i have heard of those moonlight bulbs, but have never seen one. my tank is right by a window (i'm hoping it helps keep his circadian rhythm rolling), so he always has some light. those sound really cool though. it provides heat?

chelseagrin · #7 11-19-2011, 07:43 PM

i do not have a heat rock so i really need it to keep heat up.

**Riverside Reptiles** · #8 11-20-2011, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chelseagrin

i do not have a heat rock so i really need it to keep heat up.

Heat rocks are not effective with arboreal geckos in any case (they're also generally considered to be junk). As I've stated, ceramic heat emitters are the way to go with these guys.

Tokayy · #9 11-20-2011, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riverside Reptiles

I recommend a CHE (ceramic heat emitter). It doesn't put off ANY light...just heat. Put it on a thermostat, and the thermostat will keep it at the proper temps for you. These are nocturnal animals and don't require special uv lighting (or any lighting at all really).
Here's some examples of CHEs: Reptile Ceramic Heat Emitters, Heating Elements and Bulbs
And here's an example of a cheap thermostat: Amazon.com: Hydrofarm MTPRTC Digital Thermostat For Heat Mats: Patio, Lawn & Garden

The thermostat says for heat pads, would it be able to be used for a ceramic
heat emitter as well? And these will allow for ideal temperatures to be produced by the bulb correct?

aquamentus_11 · #10 11-20-2011, 12:55 PM

the one i have has mild, med and high settings. i plug my lamp into it and adjust it as necessary based on the readings taken from the thermometer i have in the tank. mine can be used for rocks or bulbs, but don't use the same thermostat for a rock and a bulb: two rocks or two bulbs are fine. i would assume that a pad would work like a rock.