Crested Geckos: ceramic heat emitter wattage and tank size

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leelyn

New member
Hi guys,
I have two exo terra tanks. One is 18x18x24 (about 33 gallons) that holds 0.0.2 baby RETF's and real plants. The other is 24x18x24 (about 44 gallons) that holds 0.0.3 baby cresties and fake plants. What size wattage ceramic heat emitter bulbs do I use for each??? They stay about 70* each with UTH's. I also use the green carpet instead of eco-earth. I have no problems with humidity. I just don't want them to get too cold and the frogs need to be about 75-85*.
leelyn
 
C

Cajun Gecko

New member
I hear 68ish-80 dregrees is perfect. Normal house temp ranges from like 72-78. Shouldnt really need one unless you have really random fluxes.
 
L

leelyn

New member
I live in a house built around 1900. Plaster, no insulation and the original windows. It stays around 66-70* year round. (upstairs warmer in the summer if the air conditioner goes out!)
 
Elizabeth Freer

Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
leelyn said:
Hi guys,
I have two exo terra tanks. One is 18x18x24 (about 33 gallons) that holds 0.0.2 baby RETF's and real plants. The other is 24x18x24 (about 44 gallons) that holds 0.0.3 baby cresties and fake plants. What size wattage ceramic heat emitter bulbs do I use for each??? They stay about 70* each with UTH's. I also use the green carpet instead of eco-earth. I have no problems with humidity. I just don't want them to get too cold and the frogs need to be about 75-85*.
leelyn
Click to expand...


It is a good idea to add some "basking type wattage" for cresties. I'd probably go with a 30 watt CHE. Just have to check to see whether the end result is in the low 80s F for basking. My CHE supplier gets their bulbs from the UK.
 
L

leelyn

New member
thank you for your responses. I'll check into the 30w CHE basking lamps. I don't want to burn them and didn't want it too hot a lamp.
 
L

leelyn

New member
Elizabeth,

Quote: "You're welcome. If you don't already have a dome, I'd suggest ~ a 10" dome to distribute the heat more evenly."

OK, I'm either slow or stupid, what's a 10" dome? I have the ceramic clamp light on a stand with a 60w nightlight red reptile bulb.

leelyn
 
cricket4u

cricket4u

New member
leelyn said:
Elizabeth,

Quote: "You're welcome. If you don't already have a dome, I'd suggest ~ a 10" dome to distribute the heat more evenly."

OK, I'm either slow or stupid, what's a 10" dome? I have the ceramic clamp light on a stand with a 60w nightlight red reptile bulb.

leelyn
Click to expand...

Elizabeth is referring to the small black light fixture which you screw the bulb into.
 
cricket4u

cricket4u

New member
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S

sajane

New member
i use a dome light with dimmer switch. i use a 40 watt bulb and use the dimmer for the temp i need. just but a temp probe right under to make sure it s not too hot
 
Elizabeth Freer

Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
leelyn said:
Elizabeth,

Quote: "You're welcome. If you don't already have a dome, I'd suggest ~ a 10" dome to distribute the heat more evenly."

OK, I'm either slow or stupid, what's a 10" dome? I have the ceramic clamp light on a stand with a 60w nightlight red reptile bulb.

leelyn
Click to expand...

leelyn said:
Thank you. I think I should invest in a dimmer before getting a CHE.
leelyn
Click to expand...


Leelyn ~

FYI: Do you see the Quote button at the bottom of posts to the right? All you need to do is click the Quote button to quote.

Lutron makes good dimmers...Fred Meyers is one source.

Have you a digital thermometer with a probe?
 
Riverside Reptiles

Riverside Reptiles

Administrator (HMFIC)
If you're going to put a che on a crested gecko you need to have it on either a rheostat (dimmer) or a thermostat. A thermostat is a million times safer and more effective than a dimmer and won't cost you much more. A dome will direct the heat from the che downward toward the tank. Since heat rises, it's probably a good idea to use a dome if your goal is to increase the heat in the enclosure. You can get a dome at most hardware/home stores like Home Depot for much cheaper than the "reptile" ones. THey're often referred to as "brooder lamps". Just make sure it's rated appropriately for the wattage of your che and has a ceramic base in it, not plastic.
 
pakinjak

pakinjak

Member
I'd suggest if you're going to heat an enclosure for a crested to get a heat gun to measure the temps. It's super speedy and you can check all over the enclosure in just a few seconds. Since the goal should be a temperature gradient throughout the enclosure, I find them to be very helpful.

Though I do not currently keep any cresteds, I do keep rhacs and more fragile geckos than cresteds as well. I use dome lights on some of them, and switch from CFL lights to incandescent as the need arises due to seasonal fluctuations in my room. My personal experience has been that most species will utilize a hot spot, and one higher than the usually recommended temp at that. I've seen both leachies and aurics basking under 90-92 hot spots, and when they're done with it they move.
 
cricket4u

cricket4u

New member
Ethan~ THey're often referred to as "brooder lamps". (good to know)

Pakinjak~ My personal experience has been that most species will utilize a hot spot, and one higher than the usually recommended temp at that. (very true) They will let you know what they need.

For a crested gecko a thermostat for sure. It's worth the few extra dollars.
 
L

leelyn

New member
Thanks on the quote button. Yes, I have an exo-terra temp/humid gauge with probe. I was thinking of the thermostat instead of the dimmer switch.
 
L

leelyn

New member
Elizabeth,
What kind of gecko are on the fingers of the hand of your avatar and how big do they get? They are so cool and minute.
leelyn
 
C

CrestedRick

Active member
Where can one find one if thermostats for these domes and what is a CHE? My room has been around 68-70 the past few days I know that temp is fine for them but Id like to warm it up a tad so they stay active.
 
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