Help with Deep Heat Projector Questions

L

lemongeckos

New member
I'm planning on switching my leo to a DHP and have some questions before I make the big purchase that I'd really appreciate help with. Or if anyone has their own experience with deep heat projectors, I'd love to hear it.

- Is it a bad idea to keep her fake plants in? I know DHPs are better at keeping warmer ambient temps than UTHs and I'm worried about them "melting" and spreading toxic fumes. I think her fake plants add a lot of enrichment but my upmost concern is her health. Should I be worried? (I also have a styrofoam background I'm worried about)

- Is it wrong to have an "adjustment period" where I keep her UTH on at a lower temp while she gets adjusted to the DHP. I would be checking her temps regularly with a temp gun and obviously plugged into her thermostat.

- I'm confused about domes, does anyone know exactly what I should use? This is the bulb I plan on using: Arcadia DEEP Heat Projector 50w (= to 75- 90w incandescent bulb) 110v USA - lightyourreptiles.com

- And as a final question, her favorite hide is domed with one small hole (it's a moist hide without the bottom, it was the only way I could get her to use her warm side.) Will I have to switch her to something else for the her tile underneath to heat up properly?

Thank you for reading through this and answering any questions you can. My gecko means a lot to me and I'm constantly looking for ways to improve her care. I think a DHP could have great energy and shedding benefits. :D
 
Marillion

Marillion

Member
Good choice getting the DHP bulb! What size is your terrarium? I would recommend getting some slate rocks either at your local landscaping store or from Amazon. Make sure to wash them thoroughly before use. They are great at absorbing and reflecting ambient heat throughout the day. Make sure to use the temp thermometers situated in the area that Arcadia recommends to keep track of the heat level being produced.

I myself use the same bulb and have a couple of silk plants in my gecko's terrarium. As long as the plants are not directly underneath the bulb and the bulb isn't mere centimeters away from the plant I really can't see there being any issues. Likewise with your styrofoam background. I don't use any kind of background as I don't want to risk insects getting stuck in behind there and then coming out to harass my gecko when the lights are out.

I use the following 8.5" dome. https://www.amazon.com/Zilla-Reptil...10+inch+dome&qid=1580754601&sr=8-2-fkmr0&th=1

But there are other examples. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002AQCXM/ref=psdc_3048866011_t3_B007TV1VSS

Some people use them in different ways also. You might want to do a google search or contact Arcadia themselves for advice. They are very good with questions. I have seen multiple successful configurations for using this DHP bulb.

As to your hide question. I think it should be fine. Maybe include a picture so that we can see exactly what you mean.
 
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