Deciding what wattage to maintain temps?

[brian(:]

Hello all! I'm pick up a hatchling P. grandis sometime late in
July, and need to get a set-up going. So I know an optimal basking spot is about 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Give or take.

My usual summer house temperature is about 78 degrees. What wattage bulb would you recommend to boost my temps up enough? Also, how do you heat at night? My enclosure is about 20"x10"x19". (Custom made) Examples of how you heat would so greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much to those who answer! :biggrin:

 

[mkschaefer]

I would just use a halogen puck light. That enclosure will last for a while, but will not house an adult adequately. What are the temperatures during the evening? I think temperatures in the mid-70's would be just fine. You won't generally need additional heating at night as long as you are above the mid-upper 60's.

 

[brian(:]

I would just use a halogen puck light. That enclosure will last for a while, but will not house an adult adequately. What are the temperatures during the evening? I think temperatures in the mid-70's would be just fine. You won't generally need additional heating at night as long as you are above the mid-upper 60's.

I plan on upgrading when he/she grows. Or would it be best to start with a full size adult enclosure? I come from the world of Rhacodactylus where it's best to start small. May I ask why you recommend puck lights/ what do they do? I have heat lamps. I was thinking I could hook one up to a dimmer to add or subtract heat as my house temperature changes. :idea: A thermostat would be nice but I have 0 idea how they work. As you may be able to tell, I'm new to this heat/lighting thing. :blushing:

Thank you for your help!

 

[daggekko]

Halogen pucks are good because they have good color output and have a fairly tight beam of heat. If you get one put it on a dimmer for sure. If you go with a regular heat lamp I would start with a 40 watt bulb. Start soon too so you can figure out how the temperatures are going to work for you.

I also would recommend you get an infrared temp gun. I use one from Pro Exotics. Doesn't matter which brand you go with. Lets you point click and read the temperature. You know the basking temps. I try to keep the bottoms of my enclosures in the low 80's. Close to 80 as you can with the basking temps correct.

I believe petsmart has started carrying the temp guns. If you have one nearby check them out. If you do go with a regular heat lamp I would suggest cheap bulbs until you figure out the correct wattage. You might only need 26W. 78F is a pretty warm starting point!