If you use a bulb then they might be out and about more. I think its personal preference
0.1.0 Amels (sid) 1.0.0 carolina stripe (simon)0.1.0 ghost (silva) 1.1.0 diffused/bloodreds (scarlet and samson) 1.0 staffy x beagle soon to have female pin royal
As Marc says its personal preferance. Mine are set up with matts but I have LED lights for viewing purposes. If you go for a bulb don't forget you will need a guard as well as a stat.
As you've gathered it really is down to personal preference Andy. I have always used heatmats, controlled by a thermostat and monitored by digital thermometers. I prefer them because I feel you can get a more constant, regular heat in one particular area. I have heard of issues with bulbs such as them raising the ambient temp in too much of the viv and therefore not allowing enough of a cool end and also drying out the atmosphere so maybe causing trouble with shedding. BUT people do use them without issue and are quite happy with them.
Lupi Lou has made a good point about making sure you have the bulb guarded and statted if you go that route.
I have a ceramic heater which is built into the roof of the viv at the warm end covered over by mesh to protect the snake from burning herself if she explores up high. Becuase the viv is 4' long I get a good temp difference between the two ends. Only downside is that the heat reflector pokes up about 6" above the top of the viv and doesn't look particularly attractive...and I should imagine is more expensive to run than a mat. I also use a stat with a timer that keeps the temperature correct to within 1/2 a degree either way and switches the temp down automatically at night as well as switching the light off (light for my benefit only...provides no heat). Temps at both ends are monitored with digital thermometers. The temp at the cold end gets colder in winter and stays warmer in summer but she doesn't appear to mind too much. When it was really hot I cooled the room with a fan and left the glass open at cold end for a bit.
Hope this gives you some idea.... probably a bit complicated!!!!
mat or bulb?
Posted - 17/11/2013 : 08:58:21
