Best one for heating my baby torts (ceramic emitter, infared, substrate heater)

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relaxkuma123

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Which one is best heat source for heating my baby torts at night time?
(ceramic emitter or infrared lamp or substrate heater...see below pictures)
Ceramic.gifinfared.gifsubstrate heater.gif

I would like to buy one of them to be a heat source for my baby torts at the night time.
Please recommend me the best one.

Ekkapat
Thailand
 
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GeoTerraTestudo

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Lizards are adapted to absorbing heat through their bellies from below, so you want a heat rock or an under-tank heater for them. Turtles, however, are adapted to absorbing heat through their carapace from above, so you want an overhead heat source for a tortoise. You could use an incandescent bulb, infrared (IR) bulb, or ceramic heat emitter (CHE). I am not sure how energy efficiency compares among these three types, but I use CHEs for a couple of reasons. For one thing, they emit zero visible light - only heat - so you can use them at night if you need to (although I turn them off at night anyway, to simulate natural cool-down). Also, CHEs last a long time; they are simply made of a heating element (a resistor) surrounded by ceramic, so they are supposed to last for years before needing to be replaced (about 3 years, I believe). So, even though CHEs are more expensive upfront, they save money in the long-run. Those are the reasons why I use CHEs. I'd be curious to hear what others think of incandescent and IR bulbs, though (or heat rocks and under-tank heaters, for that matter).
 

coreyc

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I to agree on the CHE will out last a IR bulb and it does not put out light I also use a under tank heater under my humid hide to keep the temp nice and cozy:)
 

TortBrain

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I could not get a CHE in my country and hence, I'm using a IR. Just gotten 2 more as spare:)
 

yagyujubei

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I really like the CHE. I have used infrared with good results, but they don't seem to last nearly as long.
 

TortBrain

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Agree. My 1st IR lasted no more then 2mths. Sigh~
How much does a IR cost over at your side? It cost less then usd4 for 1 at my side.
 

yagyujubei

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TortBrain said:
Agree. My 1st IR lasted no more then 2mths. Sigh~
How much does a IR cost over at your side? It cost less then usd4 for 1 at my side.
They're about $7 or 8USD around here. If you bump them while they're on, they can burn out. The CHE seems to last a long time.
 

relaxkuma123

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For my side price is incredibly high,
IR 11.5 USD/pcs.
CHE 40 USD/pcs.

Then, finally today I decided buying IR because of cheaper price.
 

DeanS

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You won't find too many tort owners that will go against the CHE...this is ALWAYS the best bet for nighttime heat!

relaxkuma123 said:
For my side price is incredibly high,
IR 11.5 USD/pcs.
CHE 40 USD/pcs.

Then, finally today I decided buying IR because of cheaper price.

There's a reason it's cheaper...it's not as effective.
 

DesertGrandma

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I like my che and use it with a thermostat. Anytime the temps get too low for my baby the che comes on. perfect.

TortBrain said:
Argh, makes me wanna change. Will source for it..

Your torts tied up in a bow are adorable. :cool:
 
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