Heating by Light OK?????

Is it ok to use an incadescent bulb to heat up one side of the tank? I am only doing it during the day, since we leave our place at about 75 degrees inside. I just set the light up today, and I guess I will see how she likes it... but I am also hoping to get some opinions from all of you! I did a search on lighting, and I see that not many people use lights to heat their tanks. I already have one setup for my other corn that only uses a UTH, and that seems to be working fine for him. (No regurges or anything of that matter) But if the light keeps my little girl from coming out and searching around, then I will probably toss the idea and get a UTH. But I really would like everyone's opinion on this topic!
Scott

Well i think there are a few reasons why people don't use lighting for heat. One is that it tends to dry up the substrate and lower the viv's humidity to dry levels. Another reason is that during digestion, uth's provide belly heat which is more effective than heat that beats down from above. I think lastly is that it is easier to heat one end of a viv using a under the tank heater than it would be to use a light that is harder to focus on only one area without baking it. Those are just a few thoughts for you. As far as I know though, it isnt really a sin to use lights as a heat source, it really just requires a little extra care.

I have both a UTH and a light source. I use both when the temperatures drop in my area, because I use ambient air in my room. I know this winter, I will have to use both to keep a moderate temp in the viv for my cornsnake.

I use a red colored bulb. I had read that, that color light does not affect her behavior towards day and night cycle.

In my opinion I find use for using light, it helps warm up the tank. Also, I can observe her at night with the light.

i personally only use a light bulb and that is all i have used for the past 7-8 years now, not once has any of mine regurgitated or have not digested. their very good, but all snakes are different so it veries, you will find what works for your snake soon enough.
good luck

Red Light?

Krenna said:

I have both a UTH and a light source. I use both when the temperatures drop in my area, because I use ambient air in my room. I know this winter, I will have to use both to keep a moderate temp in the viv for my cornsnake.

I use a red colored bulb. I had read that, that color light does not affect her behavior towards day and night cycle.

In my opinion I find use for using light, it helps warm up the tank. Also, I can observe her at night with the light.

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DO U ALSO USE THE RED LIGHT DURING THE DAY TOO? I OBTAINED A SNAKE TODAY AND THEY SOLD ME A RED LIGHT, AND I HAD IT ON ALL DAY, AND PLAN ON LEAVING IT ON ALL NIGHT. IS THAT BAD?PLEASE IF U COULD ANSWER. TY.MICHAELA