Ceramic Heat Emitters are probably the second most common type of heating in the vivarium. They work by giving out invisible long wave Infra red, so heating not only the reptile and furniture but the ambient air unlike Heat Mats. ValueAquatics sell the Exo Terra Heat Wave heat Emitter lamps that come in five Wattages making them suitable for most vivariums and set-ups from dry desert to moist (not wet) forest set ups. Ceramic Heat Emitters are excellent at creating a hot or basking spot. As in nature giving heat from above making the reptile feel more at home as it would in the wild. This is why ValueAquatics also recommends the use of a UV light source such as the Exo Terra Repti Glo Compact Fluorescent bulbs so creating a more natural light with heat from above.

There is no real rule as to which Ceramic Heater to use as it all depends on vivarium size and what temperature range you require and basking spot temperature. So as a rule of thumb for general use of heating the vivarium to 85°F at the basking spot (heater end) and approximately 70-75°F at the cool end I would suggest the following.

PT2044 40watt Ceramic Heater for a 24”x12”x12” Vivarium.
PT2045 60watt Ceramic Heater for a 30” to 36”x12”x12” Vivarium
PT2046 100watt Ceramic Heater for a 48”x12X12 Vivarium
PT2047 150watt Ceramic Heater for a 60”x24”x24” Vivarium
PT2048 250watt Ceramic Heater for a 60” to 72”x24”x24” Vivarium

Always use with a Pulse Proportional thermostat otherwise they will be heating to their maximum output. This is dangerous as Ceramic heat emitters get very hot and require a thermostat. It will also greatly shorten the life of the ceramic heater if it is just left running not to mention the cost.

Some reptiles like Uromastyx will require a higher basking spot so I would then recommend that you go for the 150w or 250w ceramic.

When fitting the ceramic heat emitters into the vivarium a few rules need to be adhered to.

1. Only use ceramic fittings like the Arcadia or the Komodo ceramic lamp fixture
2. Make sure that the cable is heat resistant cable as in the Arcadia and Komodo fixtures.
3. All ceramic heat emitters are Edison screw fitting as in the Arcadia and Komodo. NOT bayonet fitting.
4. Use a guard specifically designed for the purpose. These heaters get extremely hot
5. We recommend that a minimum distance of 40cm from the reptile
6. Always use a pulse Proportional Thermostat similar to the Habistat Pulse Proportional or the day night model.
7. Not to be used where there is a lot of Moisture as in Turtle or Amphibian set-ups

John
www.valueaquatics.co.uk

I have listed what you will need for an 8 month old Iguana. You realise that this vivarium will only do for another four to six months then you will need something much bigger and custom built. These vivs are not really designed for arboreal animals as they need height and branches to climb in. Ideal housing for an adult Iguana would be approx 6′ x 4′ x 3′ even for an 8 month old one. They need the room in order to be able to climb amongst branches. I have not mentioned décor as most people use old sturdy branches that are well anchored into the vivs. Water bowls need to be large enough for the Iguana to get into, most people use a large washing up bowl and let the Iguana swim in the bath two or three times a week. The solar glo lamp is a uv and basking lamp in one. They do not work on a thermostat so you raise or lower the lamp until the required basking temperature is obtained on a branch/rock bellow it. All the equipment mentioned bellow can be used in a larger vivarium later on, you may need and extra Ceramic heater and Porcelain clamp lamp for the bigger vivarium. Look at bird aviaries etc.

Vivarium Viv-Exotic EX48×24 inch Black Limited Special Edition
Geocel Aquarium/Vivarium Silicon Sealant 310ml
PT-2192 Exo Terra Solar Glo Sun Lamp 125W
PT-2056 Glow Light 25cm/10″
PT-2048 Ceramic Heat Emitter Heat Wave Lamp 250W
PT-2062 Porcelain Wire Clamp Lamp 250W
Habistat Pulse Proportional Thermostat

If you mean heat output. The Heat Glo Infra red Lamp 150W is the hottest of the light emitting type of bulb (screw fitting).

The Mercury vapour lamps which give out both heat and UV like PT-2192 Solar Glo Sun Lamp are used for tortoise, Bearded Dragons Uromastyx which need high light/UV and heat output. Best used in a reflector with a mesh guard. Being a ballasted bulb they do not work on a thermostat and the basking spot is adjusted by raising or lowering the light. They come in 125W and 160W  screw fitting.

The spot light types like PT-2140 Sun Glo Tight Beam spot lamp 150W(screw fitting) will also give out a lot of heat for a basking spot directly bellow it depending on the height of the bulb. Both of these lamps will need a dimming thermostat like the Habistat dimming thermostat. They will also need a lamp guard to protect the snake/lizard from being burnt.

The other heat source which is the hottest are the Ceramic heat emitters PT-2048 250W (screw fitting) being the largest and hottest. They give out I/Red heat not in the visible range. This will also need a thermostat like the Habistat pulse proportional and also a lamp guard specially for these which unfortunately we do not sell as yet. All the bulbs above need a heat resistant ceramic fitting like the Komodo Ceramic lamp fitting or the Arcadia ceramic lamp holder.

ValueAquatics Vivarium Special offers.

We at ValueAquatics have a special offer on the VX36 ,VX48 and EX48 vivariums in Black. These have been specially made for us by Aqua Pac to the same high quality as the other vivariums in the VX and EX ranges.
ValueAquatics have managed to get these at a very competitive rate and so can pass the saving onto the customer. They are selling fast and once gone it may be some time before we can offer them again if at all especially at these prices.

The VX36 Vivarium is 915mm x 470mm x 525mm (36.6×18.8×21inches) (L.D.H) and all for £67.50.

The VX48 Vivarium is1220 x 470 x 525mm (48.8 x 18.8 x 21 inches) (L.D.H) and all for £84.95

The EX48 for those of you that require the vivarium a little taller which measures 1220 x 610 x 525mm (48x 24×20inches) (LDH)  and all for £109.99.

I think you will agree these are extremely good prices especially as they include VAT and Delivery.

Pictures

VX36
VX48
EX48

John

ValueAquatics AX range of Vivariums

Almost all the vivariums that ValueAquatics sell are made by Aqua Pac who are the biggest manufacturer of flat pack vivariums in the UK, and have been in business since 1995. Needless to say they have become known for the excellence of their products.

To date ValueAquatics offer their AX, LX, VX and EX range of vivariums. They are about to offer a new range the MX36 which will be modular so upgrading to larger vivariums will be easier more about these as we get to know more. Watch this space.

The AX range are designed for the arboreal (tree dwellers) snakes and lizards that require the extra height. Ideal for Chameleons, Anoles and some Gecko’s (Crested, Gargoyle and Tokay).

The AX range comes in two sizes the AX22 and the AX36 there is also two cabinets that are designed especially for the Vivariums.

The AX22 is 544 x 406 x 920mm 19kg (LxDxH)
The AX36 is 915 x 406 x 1216mm 33kg (LxDxH)

Cabinet CAX22 is 544 x 406 x 565mm 11.5kg (LxDxH)
Cabinet CAX36 is 915 x 406 x 465mm 14.5kg (LxDxH)

The vivariums come in three colours Ellmau Beech, Tobacco Walnut and Winchester Oak.

Designed for their ease of assembly, Access points in the solid wood back for cables etc. The Toughened sliding glass conforms to BS6206A, Excellent ventilation, as mentioned they all come with a solid back made from the same board as the top, bottom and sides giving extra life and greater strength.

All the wood/board that is used comes from reclaimed sources or sustainable forests making the very GREEN.

John

Exo Terra Heat Wave Rocks

Heating in the vivarium or terrarium can be a problem for most of us, what is the best heating for my system?

This must be the one question that we are asked the most and can be the most confusing, so I will try to go through the various methods of heating throughout our blogs.
Exo Terra Heat Wave Rocks.

Do not confuse these with the old Hot Rocks which used to be imported in from the USA years ago, and were responsible for many snakes and lizards being badly burnt.

The Hot Rocks that are sold by ValueAquatics are manufactured by Exo Terra and have been designed with the care and attention that we have come to expect from their products.

The heating element is moulded into the special thermal conductive resin which makes them waterproof, non toxic and very easy to clean it also ensures even heat distribution.

 The Heat Wave Rock automatically shuts off when the surface temperature reaches approximately 28°C. This stops the animal from being burnt and simulates rocks in nature.

The Exo Terra Heat Wave Rocks are designed to look as natural as possible so that they do not look out of place in most set ups.

Most reptiles use conductive heat for thermoregulation which is very important for the digestion of food and their metabolism.

ValueAquatics offer the Exo Terra Heat Rocks in three sizes:

PT-2000 Small 185×135x105mm

PT-2002 Medium 195×195x115mm

PT-2004 Large 355×240x120mm

Exo Terra say that the Hot Rocks should be used as a secondary heat source though I have used them with Corn Snakes and other North American Colubrids, like Corn snakes, King snakes, Milk snakes etc. They are also excellent for Leopard Geckos and Bearded Dragons (as background heat source).

John