****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
UPDATE: After almost 26 months, the bulb's element died. It never had a hiccup and we were a bit abusive with it (we moved, so it experienced frequent power disconnects, and we also misted our python's cage). Regardless we are pleased with it's longevity and will buy another one, even if cheaper brands are available.We bought this product after trying the 100 watt heat emitter. The 100 watt didn't give out the heat our Ball Python needed even with an under the tank heating pad, so we had to purchase this and a larger ceramic clamp lamp with a dimmer switch built in to accommodate it. We've had it running for 3 hours on full power and the temperature in our 68 gallon custom cage has crept up to 79 degrees, comparable to our 100 watt Zoo Med infrared bulb that we were previously using. It's a cold day today, so I expect this will be typical for the colder winter days, where temps are in the 20s and 30s. Keep in mind that this is within the recommend temperature range for a Ball Python, and our under the tank heater runs about 87 degrees on low. On warmer days and during the summer, we may have to turn the bulb down or even shut it off altogether. This bulb should be perfect for the needs of our Ball Python, since he gets heat without light. With Ball Pythons, all that is needed for light is natural light. Infrared bulbs put out heat and light much like the sun does, so this can disturb a Ball Python's natural cycles. To simulate a night cycle, putting your heat source on a hardware store timer so it shuts off for 8-10 hours a night is perfect, since they are nocturnal and respond to changes in temperature and sunlight.
