Obtaining proper heating in a sulcata enclosure is as important as proper UVB and diet. Correct heating promotes healthy tissues, increases blood circulation and ensures proper digestion.
For indoor enclosures, you want a basking place around 100-degrees Fahrenheit and an ambient temperature between 80 – 90-degrees. For outdoor houses, you want the temperature to dip no lower than 70-degrees.
In order to achieve correct heating, purchase a good heat source. Avoid most heating pads, as they can get TOO hot. Kane mats and pig mats that have internal thermostats can be used for larger tortoises in outdoor houses.
Ceramic Heat Emitter Bulbs
Ceramic heat emitters (CHE) are non-light emitting bulbs that produce heat throughout the day and night. When using CHE’s in inside enclosures, you want to use a good UVB source for lighting. For outdoor sulcata houses, a CHE is a good night heat source when the temperatures drop.
CHE’s increase the ambient air temperature and can provide a good basking temperature.
Keep ceramic heat emitting bulbs at least 12-inches away from the top of the sulcata’s shell. Too hot, the bulb will easily burn the shell.
Common watts include 60W, 75W, 100W and 150W bulbs. Use a thermostat to ensure the proper temperatures for your sulcata enclosure or house. Double check the temperature with a temperature gun.
Flood Bulbs
Flood bulbs will product light and heat. You’ll want to test the heat output with a temperature gun, but regular household incandescent flood bulbs can produce enough heat for indoor sulcata enclosures. You will still need a UV source, like a UV tube.
Mercury Vapor Bulbs
Mercury vapor bulbs, like ZooMed PowerSun, ExoTerra Solar Glo and Mega-Ray, provide UVA, UVB, light and heat in one bulb. These reptile bulbs are quite popular.
When using a mercury vapor bulb, check the UV emissions regularly. The biggest issue with using this type of bulb is that the UV output can reduce quickly.
It is recommended that the bulb be replaced every six months, but to monitor the UV output, regular check the UV emissions with a solar meter. Some people have found the UV fall below the recommended range within three months, whereas others experience a longer lifespan.
The bulb may still produce heat and lighting, but the UV rays may be minimal over a longer span of time.
