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Do you guys know if this would explode if a little water touched it?

http://www.petco.com/product/5003/Zoo-M ... SiteSearch

I don't think it would explode, maybe it might crack. The safest heating method I've found is using an old-fashioned incandescent bulb in a department store brooder lamp. It's much cheaper than the ceramic heat emitters. My mother used to use one for her box turtle, but she switched to incandescents as well due to the short lifetime of the emitters.

Jeremiah wrote:I don't think it would explode, maybe it might crack. The safest heating method I've found is using an old-fashioned incandescent bulb in a department store brooder lamp. It's much cheaper than the ceramic heat emitters. My mother used to use one for her box turtle, but she switched to incandescents as well due to the short lifetime of the emitters.

I don't think incandescent bulbs would produce enough heat to keep it at the right temperature...

You'd be surprised. My 60 watt keeps a 90F basking spot from over a foot away. Unless you mean that you originally wanted the heat emitter to heat the water...?

Jeremiah wrote:You'd be surprised. My 60 watt keeps a 90F basking spot from over a foot away. Unless you mean that you originally wanted the heat emitter to heat the water...?

No the heat emitter would just heat up the basking area. I might consider a mercury vapor lamp but I am kind of afraid of those due to last time it exploded when a droplet of water touched it(not kidding-- and it's darn expensive for a droplet of water to make it explode)....

I still recommend the incandescents. There are lots of people who will provide you with a good testimonial for them!

Jeremiah wrote:I still recommend the incandescents. There are lots of people who will provide you with a good testimonial for them!

Is there a good brand that would provide a lot of heat...?

I like to use Sylvania. Honestly, though, any brand from your local home improvement store will work. Just keep in mind that manufacturers make a lot of LED bulbs that only look like incandescents, but don't provide heat. Be sure to read the labels extra-carefully.

Jeremiah wrote:I like to use Sylvania. Honestly, though, any brand from your local home improvement store will work. Just keep in mind that manufacturers make a lot of LED bulbs that only look like incandescents, but don't provide heat. Be sure to read the labels extra-carefully.

I am thinking of just getting the heat emitter to be honest... but I don't know if there's a way to keep the temperature in check... so it doesn't raise and fry my turtles...

Heat emitters are expensive and you won't know when it stops. I've found that they are fragile too, not lasting for more than a few months. You also will have to rely on a CFL as the main light source, and I don't think turtles don't like that arrangement.

I've been using PAR30L halogens for years. The lamp fixture is also very important, if not even more so. How big are your turtles?

steve wrote:Heat emitters are expensive and you won't know when it stops. I've found that they are fragile too, not lasting for more than a few months. You also will have to rely on a CFL as the main light source, and I don't think turtles don't like that arrangement.

I've been using PAR30L halogens for years. The lamp fixture is also very important, if not even more so. How big are your turtles?

They're pretty big... I think 8 inches on one....

I am seperating my turtles soon and using this above tank turtle topper for my musk turtle/hatchling painted... but all he needs is a heat lamp can you link me to the par3ol?

Turtle Topper is a bit small for an adult RES. If the tank is <55 gallons, then it will need to be modified a bit.

I use something similar to this: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Philips-EcoV ... /203231698

There's also this: http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Repti-Spl ... B000KHBT12 BUT I think those are just re-branded.

steve wrote:Turtle Topper is a bit small for an adult RES. If the tank is <55 gallons, then it will need to be modified a bit.

I use something similar to this: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Philips-EcoV ... /203231698

There's also this: http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Repti-Spl ... B000KHBT12 BUT I think those are just re-branded.

The turtle topper is actually for a baby painted and a musk turtle which stay pretty small(not the painted)

Also are you sure those lights actually provide enough heat to heat up a basking area properly...?

You will need to monitor the temperature and adjust the distance accordingly.

steve wrote:You will need to monitor the temperature and adjust the distance accordingly.

What about a heat pad stuck to the outside ?

Or what about these?