UV rays?

[wattso]

Hi craig, checkout my post on pg1 this thread! I used exo-terra when I first got my snake, incidently Three blew in less than two weeks! at $22 per globe I dont use them anymore. You will find shop owners will tell you porkies to sell you something. We've all been there I think. good luck mate

 

[Lee]

NoOne

I would start by saying that there have been a great many advancements in the keeping reptiles with regard to both knowledge and equipment, when I started keeping reptiles in the late seventies using light bulbs as a heat source both day and night was for most people the only option, however, even then experienced herpetologists of the day were questioning this method with regards to the stress placed on the animals concerned.

With this method of heating you are subjecting what are basically secretive nocturnal animals light to dark cycles every few minutes, even if you are using a spot bulb they are still going through these cycles.

My point is this, there are many products on the market that are inexpensive and provide the best captive environment conditions at this point in time, so why not use them.

In answer to your point about ceramic heaters overheating, I agree this has been reported in a few cases but if you connect them to a good quality electronic thermostat (Habistat or Microclimate) and cover the heater with a wire cover then these risks are all but eliminated.
Alternatively put the spot bulb on a timer and use a heat mat as a night time heat source, either way, problem solved.

I accept that you say your animals are in good health and you have kept them that way for ten years but it doesn't mean it is the most appropriate way given the advances in the hobby!

With regard to photoperiod and the benefits to snakes, I believe most of the professional and experienced herpetologists would agree that this is the way to go, it is certainly documented in enough in many books and herp articles.

I hope you do not see this as overly critical, I am simply trying to share my experiences and offer an alternate viewpoint.

Regards

Lee

Craigc
I stopped using the Exo infra red bulbs as the life expectancy seems to be around a couple of months which makes them pretty expensive

Lee

 

[olivaceus71]

Hi craig, checkout my post on pg1 this thread! I used exo-terra when I first got my snake, incidently Three blew in less than two weeks! at $22 per globe I dont use them anymore. You will find shop owners will tell you porkies to sell you something. We've all been there I think. good luck mate

Hey wattso some of us shop managers aren't all that bad, I stopped managing a reptile supply business for exactly the opposite, couldn't lie to save myself. We had a batch of the exo terras last year that were constantly being returned, due to blowing and burning out around the metal part(scientific name).

Also maria you are spot on they don't give off any uv, btw I have my macs on two lights, white for day and blue or red for night, not due to photo periods, just different wattages for over winter.
cheers
meg

 

[wattso]

Hey sorry olivacious, I was just sharing personal experience, I'll put my pitchfork and flaming torch away!! lol

 

[NoOne]

No offense taken lee. I'm always trying new products and different cage settings it's just a matter of finding ways to combat very cold winters. The way i'm doing it now works very well.

I use top quality thermostats on all my cages, with ceramics i'm not talking about repoeted cases i'm talking about ones i've seen personally(i'm an electrical labourer) heat mats aren't much better either and i only use them in my draws. Wiring and money isn't a problem i get most of my stuff half price. Globes and spotlights are the most power efficient heat source and is also a big factor in a large collection.

I am thinking of using all blue globes and allowing more natural light into the room but thats still on the drawing board.
Thats what it's all about finding new more efficient ways of keeping.

 

[olivaceus71]

Hey sorry olivacious, I was just sharing personal experience, I'll put my pitchfork and flaming torch away!! lol

ha no need to apologise, in all reality I was agreeing with you, heaps of people out to scam new herpers especially when reptiles are concerned and since I won't sell reptiles through shops in nsw, and no longer work in one no way I could be offended.

meg

 

[wattso]

Its ok ,A good "angry mob" is hard to find these days anyway! lol ......oh I miss dr frankenstein, great mobs them days

 

[africancichlidau]

heat mats aren't much better either and i only use them in my draws

Make sure your stat doesn't stick on or you'll be in hospital for a few days

 

[wattso]

LOLroflmao, I could see that one coming africa!!!

 

[NoOne]

Zing!