Infrared ligting recomendation

by **dwarf** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 10:59 am

What will the right wattage bulb be for a rock python cage with a size of 2000mm x 1000mm x 1000mm . And what should the ideal temp be in the hot and cool spots .

Thanks Dwarf :shock:

by **Bushbaby** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 11:07 am

The ideal temperatures would be around 28 - 30 degrees on the hot spot and then around 24 - 26 degrees on the cooler side. Ideally you can add a branch in the cage as they enjoy climbing.

Lights usually dry out the air, so include a nice big water bowl in which the snake can soak, and also a bowl with fresh cool water for drinking. Not sure what wattage you should look into though. Just ensure the snake cannot come into contact with the light.

BTW, Welcome to the forum!! You from Windhoek you say? Where exactly? What's the laws regarding keeping reptiles in Windhoek / Namibia?

by **dwarf** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 12:09 pm

Thanks for Replying

I live in Windhoek (Capital) Pionierspark ( Outer suburb of WHK ). Well the laws are very stricht up here . The Minis. of nat. cons. firstly don,t allow for any exotic snakes or any foreighn species , due to a situasion we had of somebody that bred a hybrid between a rock python and a natl dwarf and the offspring was let loose. So for a person to get a permit is very diff. Which is actually good because most people are very uneducated about reptiles in nam. I work part time with the minis as I am the only rep. catcher and remover here in WHK that is full time available for the purpose and relocating. The other is getting a permit for venemous snakes (Won't happen) if you can't prove of vast knowledge of indiginous venemous snakes . With me mainly working with venemous snakes and being in the EMS that was an advantage . You also need a letter of approval from the municipalty and all the neighbours around you. And sorry to say but 95% namibians believe in :cry:

"The best snake is a dead snake" :cry:

which is very unfortunate. To my knowledge there may be 8 of us that got permits for the keeping of reptiles up here . If caught without a permit you will have to take the cons. They also do not allow for the trading of retiles or the sale there of.

dwarf

by **Bushbaby** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 1:46 pm

I don't really recall ever seeing snakes in Windhoek. I remember agamas / lizards and chameleons. I'm SO glad we have a bit more choice here.

I used to stay in Suiderhof (think it's right next to Pioneerspark if memory serves me right).

Please post some pics of your beasties... and a few extra area shots (of Windhoek) for me PLEASE!!

by **dwarf** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 4:15 pm

I will take a couple of pics and post it . You can't recall any specific location here that I can take pics of. WHK has changed quite a bit in the ,lets say 5 yrs. I will send some pics of my beasties and more . When did you stay here and when did you leave ?

dwarf

by **Bushbaby** » Fri Jul 13, 2007 12:39 pm

I left in 1989. lol Quite a while back. Sorry I kinda hi-jacked the post... hope someone can be of assistance with the wattage for your beasts.

by **RAGE** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 9:21 pm

Hi Dwarf
I just set my tank which is 1800mm by 900mm by 900mm. I put a 250watt Zoo med ceramic infrared heat emitter on the left hand side as well as a large heating pad. I am getting a 31 degree "hotspot" and the coller side is 26 degrees. Just remember the venting in your cage will also play a role. hope this gives you an idea.

by **dwarf** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 9:41 pm

Thanks RAGE
This gives me a good indication.
Where can I buy this 250watt Zoo med ceramic infrared heat emitter . Because I am only able to obtain infrared spotbulbs 80watt here . The ventilation on your tank , Is there any specific standard to go on or what will your recommendation be. At this stage in the sides of the tank at the top I have 3 x 2cm diameter vent . Will that be adequate or will you suggest a change? Could you poss. post me a pic of your tank PLS!!!!!! :?:

by **Long John Silver** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 7:32 am

Before you buy an expensive ceramic heater, first try a 100 Watt infra red globe.

And just between the two of us: I bought a 60w blobe at the pet-shop and paid about R60 or R80. A week later I bought the same globe at a hardware store (Lohuis is the brandname) for R8,00. And no-body can tell me the difference.

by **dwarf** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 10:57 am

Thanks Long John Silver.

I will see what I can find and come back to you.

dwarf

by **RAGE** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 9:45 pm

Hi dwarf

I tried to upload pictures but they do not meet the criteria of this site. I will take some with my phone tomorow and post them. If you come through to gauteng there are many pet shops who stock them. Or if you know of any one up here they could post it to you, they are very light.

They are also guaranteed for five years. Outlasting the red globes by far.And in my opinion, a great investment towards a healthy snake.Another advantage to the ceramic heat emitter is that it does not disturb normal animal photoperiods.

My tank has three circular vents top left and three bottom right. these have a diametre of 4cm. Since i last replied i have noticed that the globe is starting to heat the wood up to a high temp. I solved this by putting a sheet of 2mm metal on the roof with a good coat of marine silicone between the metal and wood. This seems to have solved the problem. A big plastic water bowl placed in the middle of the tank suplies the humidity.

I have used many types of "spot type bulbs" , in my personal opinion the ceramic heat emitters are way superior. I will post the pics asap.

Until then...

by **dwarf** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 8:11 am

Thanks

I really appreciate

dwarf

Infrared ligting recomendation

Infrared ligting recomendation

Who is online