Halogen vs Standard Incandescent Basking Bulb
Which bulb makes a proper basking surface for a bearded dragon, why the wattage on the box is not a temperature, and the fitting that must never be used.
The short version
Use a halogen flood. Halogen lamps produce a higher proportion of short wavelength infrared, which is closer to what a basking reptile gets from the sun and heats the animal's surface rather than just the air. A standard incandescent spot works, but it is dimmer, less efficient and usually needs a higher wattage for the same basking surface temperature. Wattage is not a temperature. The number you actually adjust is the distance from the bulb to the basking surface, and the number you actually check is the surface temperature under it, which should be about 95 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit for an adult and a little higher for a growing juvenile.
At a glance
| Exo Terra Sun Glo Halogen Basking Spot Lamp | Zoo Med Repti Basking Spot Lamp 100 Watt | |
|---|---|---|
| Infrared quality | More short wavelength IR-A | More long wavelength heat |
| Brightness | High | Moderate |
| Watts for the same surface temperature | Lower | Higher |
| Bulb life | Longer | Shorter |
| Cost per bulb | Higher | Lower |
| Works on a dimming thermostat | Yes | Yes |
Choose the Exo Terra Sun Glo Halogen Basking Spot Lamp if…
Choose halogen for the main daytime basking lamp. Fit it in a ceramic socket dome rated for the wattage, aim it at a solid basking platform rather than at loose substrate, and set the height so the surface reads in range on a temperature gun. Run it on a dimming thermostat with the probe positioned where your vet or your own measurements say it belongs, and put it on a timer so the day length is consistent rather than depending on who is home.
Check Exo Terra Sun Glo Halogen Basking Spot Lamp on Amazon
Choose the Zoo Med Repti Basking Spot Lamp 100 Watt if…
A standard incandescent basking spot is a perfectly workable budget option and it is what a great many healthy dragons have lived under. It will usually need a higher wattage to hit the same surface temperature, which means more heat in the room and a shorter bulb life. Never substitute a coloured night bulb, a red bulb or a heat rock. Coloured lamps disturb the day and night cycle, and heat rocks have a long history of causing serious contact burns because reptiles do not reliably sense heat from below.
Check Zoo Med Repti Basking Spot Lamp 100 Watt on Amazon
Related
- Deep Heat Projector vs Ceramic Heat Emitter
- Dimming vs On Off Thermostat
- Bearded dragon lighting guides
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these products side by side. Confirm current specifications and prices before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Deciding on a specific model? We review the Arcadia Deep Heat Emitter 50W review and Exo Terra Sun Glo halogen basking spot lamp review in full.
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A T5 10.0 UVB Fixture, the One Thing You Cannot Skip
Metabolic bone disease is the most common preventable illness in captive bearded dragons, and it comes down to inadequate UVB. A linear T5 tube across the basking side does what a coil bulb cannot, and the tube needs replacing roughly annually even when it still lights up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperatures does a bearded dragon actually need?
As a working guide, a basking surface of roughly 95 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit for an adult, a little warmer for a growing juvenile, a cool end around 75 to 85, and a night time drop into the 65 to 75 range with the lights off. Measure the basking surface itself with an infrared gun and measure the ambient cool end with a probe. Confirm the exact targets for your animal with a reptile vet, especially if it is unwell or very young.
What wattage bulb do I need?
There is no correct wattage, only a correct surface temperature. The right wattage depends on your enclosure height, the ambient room temperature and the distance to the basking platform. Buy a bulb, measure, and change the height or the wattage until the surface reads in range. A dimming thermostat then holds it there as the room warms and cools through the year.
Should the heat stay on at night?
Usually not. Bearded dragons benefit from a night time temperature drop and from full darkness, and most homes stay warm enough. If your room genuinely falls below the safe range, use a non light emitting source such as a ceramic heat emitter or a deep heat projector on a thermostat, never a coloured bulb. If you are unsure what is safe for your animal, ask a reptile vet rather than guessing.
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