different heating systems

[Shonfield]

Hi,

there isnt really a place for this yet, so ill just say it here

what have people found to be the best heating systems for them?

at the moment i am using exo terra heat glo infra red bulbs.
but they have been blowing very often and i was looking for some cheaper or longer lasting alternatives.

I have thought of the exo terra ceramic heat 'things' and i was planing on testing these out, but decided to ask here.

i already have the whole bulb setup, thermostat connected to bulb holder thing etc. that cant really be undone.

so im mainly looking for bulbs or anything that will screw into a bulb socket, but i am open to all suggestions

thanks heaps,
sam

 

[Shonfield]

also what do people think of these?

Ultimate Reptile Suppliers - Online Shopping Cart - INTERIOR HEATING - CERAMICS

because that place is cheaper for me and im in australia so its convenient.

thanks again,
sam

 

[Riverside Reptiles]

Ceramic heat elements last far longer than any bulb will. Make sure that the hood you're using is appropriately rated for the amount of wattage from the heat element though. And DO use your thermostat with it.

 

[phearamedusa]

20 gal maybe 30 gal tank with under tank heat mat. I also run a 40w ceramic heater constantly at one end that seems to stay a little too cool, mid tank during day I run a 75w basking lamp on a dimmer control fixture. I should mention the heat mat is on a dimmer too, the reason for this is simple really we have hot, humid summers and really cold winters . I found that with light on during the day the tank was getting too hot in the hotter months. Then winter rolled round and I found it was too cold even with the heat mat on full. At night I run 2 25w neo. moon light heat producing bulbs. This seems to be working right now but is a pain in butt when feeding/clean up time rolls around, gotta move everything off the top.

 

[niccoliherp]

I agree with Riverside about the ceramics. They definitely have the longest life span. I had one that lasted about 5 years without blowing. The only reason I had to replace it was that I lost it.
I just wanted to add that I use the infrareds too, and have noticed that the less I turn them on and off, the less they blow out. I'm pretty sure its got something to do with stress on the element. I only keep mine on because I have a pretty good day/night temperature flux in the reptile room, and keep a good eye on the heat levels in the tank, but it seems to increase the lifespan of the bulb too.