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[–]idrinkamp0 points
2 points
2 points
(+2|-0)
ago
BEFORE you put a lizard in the tank, get your lamp with a variable wattage (it has a dial on the side you can turn up or down).
Turn your lamp on and leave it on for a day or so. If you measure the temperature throughout the day and its consistent then your good to go. Depending on your climate, many reptiles will do fine with the light off at night. However, you might need to get a heat lamp for nighttime use. The ceramic bulbs worked well for me. You also need to make sure you have a cooler spot in your tank, away from under direct heat. Most animals need a basking spot, which is where your light points too. It will be the hottest spot. Then the cooler spot on the side so it can regulate its own heat.
Couple notes: make sure the lamp is unaccessable for the lizard to reach. They can burn themselves by getting up onto the bulb. For the same reason, I dont use heating pads. Many lizards control temperature through their head and not the feet. As such, they can burn themselves on heat rocks/pads. Also, many animals will also need a UVB lamp along with the basking lamp.
If you have a more tropical lizard, you will need to also control humidity. This can be done with foggers, humidifiers, and a few other things.
Depending on your lizard type, there are many many herp forums and sites that can help you build a set up perfect for your animal.
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[–] idrinkamp 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago
BEFORE you put a lizard in the tank, get your lamp with a variable wattage (it has a dial on the side you can turn up or down).
Turn your lamp on and leave it on for a day or so. If you measure the temperature throughout the day and its consistent then your good to go. Depending on your climate, many reptiles will do fine with the light off at night. However, you might need to get a heat lamp for nighttime use. The ceramic bulbs worked well for me. You also need to make sure you have a cooler spot in your tank, away from under direct heat. Most animals need a basking spot, which is where your light points too. It will be the hottest spot. Then the cooler spot on the side so it can regulate its own heat.
Couple notes: make sure the lamp is unaccessable for the lizard to reach. They can burn themselves by getting up onto the bulb. For the same reason, I dont use heating pads. Many lizards control temperature through their head and not the feet. As such, they can burn themselves on heat rocks/pads. Also, many animals will also need a UVB lamp along with the basking lamp.
If you have a more tropical lizard, you will need to also control humidity. This can be done with foggers, humidifiers, and a few other things.
Depending on your lizard type, there are many many herp forums and sites that can help you build a set up perfect for your animal.