Incandescent bulbs

[Dbrocato2]

does it matter what type of incandescent flood bulb is used for basking? Example: par38, br30, r20.. etc

 

[KarenSoCal]

It doesn't matter which kind. I use br 20's. Just watch your wattage and get medium base for a regular socket.

 

[Markw84]

Yes it matters with some. You need a flood type bulb not a spot type. So, that would be the ones labeled BR (bulged reflector). The PAR (parabolic aluminized reflector) are spot bulbs.

The numbers are simply the diameter of the bulb in 1/8 inch increments. SO that doesn't matter. For example the BR30 is perfect for what you want. BR means flood bulb and the 30 means it is 30/8 or 3-3/4" in diameter.

 

[Maro2Bear]

Yes it matters with some. You need a flood type bulb not a spot type. So, that would be the ones labeled BR (bulged reflector). The PAR (parabolic aluminized reflector) are spot bulbs.

The numbers are simply the diameter of the bulb in 1/8 inch increments. SO that doesn't matter. For example the BR30 is perfect for what you want. BR means flood bulb and the 30 means it is 30/8 or 3-3/4" in diameter.

wow! Who knew! Tks

 

[Tom]

wow! Who knew! Tks

Ummm.... Electricians, the entire lighting industry... and Mark.

 

[Maro2Bear]

Hhhm, all good info - “BR means flood bulb and the 30 means it is 30/8 or 3-3/4" in diameter.”

 

[KarenSoCal]

Yes it matters with some. You need a flood type bulb not a spot type. So, that would be the ones labeled BR (bulged reflector). The PAR (parabolic aluminized reflector) are spot bulbs.

Of course you are correct. I completely forgot about the spot/flood difference. Thanks for getting me back on track!

 

[Srmcclure]

I learn something new from all of you guys every day and not just tort stuff! I just love it!

 

[Chubbs the tegu]

Turn the lights’ turn the lights down low’.. sorry this thread got that song stuck in my head

 

[Srmcclure]

Turn the lights’ turn the lights down low’.. sorry this thread got that song stuck in my head

Thanks a lot... now its in my head roo

 

[Chubbs the tegu]

Thanks a lot... now its in my head roo

?

 

[Viola B]

Always learning. Love this site.
Thank you.

 

[Markw84]

Turn the lights’ turn the lights down low’.. sorry this thread got that song stuck in my head

I think its.. " ♪ ♫ Lock the door and turn the lights down low, put some music on that's soft and slow... ♫ ♪ " Come on... one of my favorite songs!

 

[Srmcclure]

I think its.. " ♪ ♫ Lock the door and turn the lights down low, put some music on that's soft and slow... ♫ ♪ " Come on... one of my favorite songs!

As it should be! But, I'm a typical woman. Can't resist that voice hahaha ??

 

[FavoriteTortoise]

Yes it matters with some. You need a flood type bulb not a spot type. So, that would be the ones labeled BR (bulged reflector). The PAR (parabolic aluminized reflector) are spot bulbs.

The numbers are simply the diameter of the bulb in 1/8 inch increments. SO that doesn't matter. For example the BR30 is perfect for what you want. BR means flood bulb and the 30 means it is 30/8 or 3-3/4" in diameter.

Can you post a link to amazon for an example please?

 

[Markw84]

Just do a search for "BR30 incandescent light bulb" Some will pop up and you have to look through to check they are incandescent, not replacement LED. I get few choices and they are marked that they cannot be shipped to me in California.

Like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002CZ1E4M/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20

 

[ZEROPILOT]

I just got this pack of 6 45 watt spot light incandescent bulbs for $9 on AMAZON.
I use them for my Chameleons to bask.
For them, its important that the lights aren't so hot that they will get burned. Because they instinctively get as close to the light as they can to bask.

 

[KarenSoCal]

I just got this pack of 6 45 watt spot light incandescent bulbs for $9 on AMAZON.
I use them for my Chameleons to bask.
For them, its important that the lights aren't so hot that they will get burned. Because they instinctively get as close to the light as they can to bask.

I'm surprised that you use a spot instead of a flood. Seems like a flood would lessen the chance of burning.

 

[Tom]

I'm surprised that you use a spot instead of a flood. Seems like a flood would lessen the chance of burning.

Spots are okay for some reptiles in some situations. They just aren't good for tortoises due to the carapace desiccation they cause, which contributes to pyramiding. It would be okay to use one for your skink for example, making sure the temperature under it was correct. I sometimes use them because I can use a lower wattage spot bulb, but still get heat where I need it for a non-tortoise, basking reptile.

 

[Markw84]

I'm surprised that you use a spot instead of a flood. Seems like a flood would lessen the chance of burning.

Those are actually not spot bulbs. The "R" is the old style bulb that was the standard light to go into a recessed fixture. The "neck" of the bulb is narrower than with the newer, BR bulbs that have now replaced them. The "B" in BR actually stands for "Bulged Reflector". Spot bulbs need a Parabolic reflector that focuses the light coming out of the bulb. Those are labeled PAR (parabolic aluminized reflector) and they are considered "spot" as the beam emitted is focused to less than 33°. A "flood" bulb is normally in the 45° range.