Exo terra light using on a desk lamp??

[inuit_jay]

Do you think it would be safe to use one of those Repti Glo Exo terra on a desk lamp? The wattage seems to fit and if it's possible I think it's better to use a desk lamp then going out to buy a new reptile lamp. Thanks.

[froggsong]

A lamp is a lamp, is a lamp... Just try to stay within the wattage the socket is rated for.

If you can use the lamp over your enclosure, it should be fine. Of course, I'm assuming you mean a regular lamp, rather than a fluorescent. If at all possible, you should be using a fluorescent tube for UV rather than a spiral compact. Also, if the desk lamp has no reflector, you are going to want something to keep the light from shining into your eyes when you look at the tank.

As for "reptile" lamps, buying a clamp lamp from the pet store is just throwing money away. They have the same kind at Walmart for much less. Walmart carries one with a ceramic socket and one with a metal socket. Both are appropriate for the UV light and heat lights. Do not ever use any lamp with a plastic socket for either one (CFL bulbs get very hot at the base).

[beckdg]

also they have HUGE clamp lamps at home depot... great if you want to spread the light out a little more... with a decent diffuser it could be just right to put directly atop a viv for uv for species that may just be right at the top anyway... but in most cases yeah a lamp is a lamp is a lamp... yadda yadda