Interesting email from zoo med about the blue daylights

[kayla_d]

I brought one and it blew within 16 hours. I was teed off meant I had to use the red bulb in combination with another sunglo till I could get back to the store to buy a new blue light.

Anyway I know a lot of us use the economy clamp fixtures from HQ or wal mart. The email from zoomed explans how to get a longer life out of your bulb.

As far as getting the most life possible out of a lamp goes, minimizing handling is the first step. Lamps that get moved burn out quickly. Fingerprints and oils on the glass can also have an impact on lamp life. Also, make sure that you are using a quality ceramic socket, not a plastic "economy" lamp.

I thought this info might help some one else who heats with lights.

[Guest]

Thank you, that does help! I use a red heat light with a ceramic-socket lamp, but I have to move it every time I reach into the tank to add food, water, etc. or I'll get burned! I have the burns on my arms to prove it. LOL I'll just have to move it to a more permanent position to save the bulb, those things are expensive enough.

This was hard to type! My keyboard is possessed!

[Guest]

What a great tip! I knew that once upon a time, but forgot. Fortunately I have my bulb in a clip-on desk lamp w/ a metal sheild. It gets too hot to handle too, but it keeps me from touching the actual bulb.

[Guest]

Wow that is a good tip, thank you.

i bought a 40W dayglo last week, put it in a cheap lamp socket which said could take up to 120W... the socket actually MELTED and made the bulb crack. bye bye 10$ =/

[Guest]

Flukers makes a decent 75 watt fixture that sells at petco for about $10.. with ceramic base

How much cheaper are these walmart ones? I have always used flukers, and recomended them. are they THAT much cheaper in price?

[Willow]

They sell brooder lamps (the kind they use for baby chickies) at farm stores for around $5.00 each. They have ceramic sockets. If you live somewhere that has farm stores, it's an option.