Your basking light fixture of choice

[Big Gulp]

There are many different sizes/brands out there. What fixture do you all use? And are some better than others?

I was using a Fluker's 5.5", but it has been acting screwy. So today I bought a Zoo Med 5.5". The Fluker's had a white interior, where as this one has the polished aluminum. What's the biggest difference between the two?

Is it better to have a smaller fixture that'll distribute the heat to a smaller area, or do you prefer a larger on like the 8.5", that gives off heat at a wider range?

Is there an advantage/disadvantage of using those deep domed fixtures?

Here's the one I just got today fwiw.

 

[Lpsouth1978]

The deep dome fixtures are great for those using MVB bulbs. Otherwise I prefer the larger 8.5" or even 10" fixtures. they distribute the light and heat over a larger area while still creating a nice hot spot. I actually love the 10" aluminum clamp dome lights that you can find at Walmart or Home Depot for like $5. they are rated up to 300 watts and are SUPER cheap. No reason to spend big bucks on a dome that is packaged as a "special reptile fixture". If you don't like the look of the aluminum, you can always paint it.

 

[Deevo]

The polished aluminum ones are really supposed to be used for UVB bulbs only. Look for the same type/brand of fixture but instead it has a ceramic inside which conducts the heat better.

I saw at the store they also had these bulbs that were like rods that just got hot but didn't give off light which I thought was interesting for anyone in a cold area. This type would obviously need to be a few inches from the mesh

 

[Big Gulp]

Thanks for the replies.

And is that really true for the polished ones??

 

[nightanole]

Thanks for the replies.

And is that really true for the polished ones??

Yes you put a 50-75 watt basking light in a aluminum dome and you just made a burn hazard.


Guess im a little different, i have huge cages so i take the dome off and just use the ceramic base and just hang it from the top of the cage. They are at least 2ft away from anything.