Heat lamp/mat

[EmBob]

Hi
So we got a Hermann tortoise today and the person giving us him gave us all the stuff he came in too. He had him in a viv, which we already knew, and we know isn't right and he is going to be transferred to an open tub tomorrow and then we are building him a proper table. I have spent ages researching everything and am pretty confident on the basics of looking after him now. The only thing is, the heat lamp for basking is confusing me. The guy we got him off had a heat map in the viv for him and no basking lamp. I have read heat maps aren't good as they can burn tortoises and also tortoises should get their heat from above not below. I want to buy a basking light but I am a bit confused about how to attach it to the tub/table. I have looked at the stands which are about 20 odd quid but will I also need a lampholder thing as well? Because they seem to be about 20 odd quid as well which seems expensive for what they are. And then if we got a combi bulb rather than a heating one that is around 40 pounds right? I obviously don't mind paying out for the tortoise if thats what he needs, as I want him to be cared for properly, but I don't wanna end up going buying something and turning out I don't need it or have bought the wrong thing. So can someone please explain exactly what is needed to put the basking light into an open tub/tort table please and maybe some links of examples if thast ok? Its just I need to know pretty soon so we can go buy it for him.
Thanks

[EmBob]

E.g. if I were to buy this bulb Exo Terra SolarGlow Mercury Vapour Lamp 125w- Heat and UVB in one BULK BUYS AVAILABLE I would have to buy a porcerlain holder right? So say I bought this one Zoo Med Porcelain Clamp Lamp 14cm 5 5 would I just be able to attach the "clamp lamp" to the side of my tub? Or would I have to buy one of these long stands as well? Zoo Med Lamp Stand Standard
Sorry about all the links, just thought my post may be easier to understand if you knew what I was talking about

[annsimpson1]

if you want a combined bulb you will need a ceramic holder for it and that must be as much preferably more wattage than the bulb itself, you can get a simple ceramic holder which is also a clamp (all in one) that will obviously just clamp on the side of the table however the bulb will obviously not be shaded. That is fine if you don't mind seeing the bright light and the bulb must always be facing downwards not at an angle. The other alternative is to buy a shade/reflector which is also a ceramic holder, what you are linking to will be to enclosed for a combined these bulbs need plenty of air around them, you could go for what I brought which is a exxo terra reflector again it must be for at least the wattage of the bulb or more, they come with both a clamp or a means of hanging the light from above something like a frame or the ceiling. The cheapest place for bulbs is ebay and you can find them for around £25 upwards I paid about the same for the reflector/shade and always keep the recipt for the bulb and see how long the garuntee runs for as it can be 6 - 12 months they are very fragile and need treating with care. The other alternative to a combined is a uv strip lamp of 10 uv and a separate heat bulb.

[EmBob]

Thats great I never saw those thanks! So if I got this Exo Terra Glow Light Reflector Lge 25cm PT2056 I could put a either a combined or a normal bulb in it and if I attached it to something that would be all I need? There is already a uv strip lamp but the bulb is gonna need changing soon so think I may be better going for the combined as it would be better value in the long run.
Thank you very much for the help.
P.S. One last question. I know you are meant to always have it shining downwards and not at an angle but If I do get the reflector thing does that mean its ok to sit at an angle? As on the link,on the pictures at the bottom they have just put it on the side of the tank and it is shining at an angle. Or does it still have to be pointing right down?Sorry for all the questions
Thanks again, I appreciate it

[annsimpson1]

if you brought the exxo terra reflector or similar yes you could put an ordinary bulb in it but you it would be an exspensive shade then, its only because the combined need a wide open shade to allow air an ordinary bulb doesn't need that so could go in any household lamp stand, hope that makes sense, combined bulbs have more wattage than most household bulbs I have 1 at 125w and 3 at 160w so the cables etc all have to be stronger. As for the angle you can have a combined at an angle but it will shorten the life of the bulb and torts eyes are made for the sun from above at the hotest part of the day and combines are very bright, you don't want the light shining in the torts eyes, have a look in the indoor housing section to see how others have arranged their lights.

[AnythingWithAShell]

One cheaper way to do it is to screw a hanging basket or shelf bracket into the wall, and suspend the lamp on chain from this. As long as you make sure it is secure. And since you use chain, it's easy to alter the height of the lamp, should you need to alter the temperature.

A lot of people have had trouble with their combined bulbs cutting out really soon after switching them on, because they are clamped on at an angle.

[EmBob]

Ah yes that makes sense, thank you. I think I will go for the combined bulb and thats a really good idea AnythingWithAShell. Think I will do that then I can hang it and it will shine from above instead of at an angle.

[AnythingWithAShell]

Yep, they really should be hanging straight down. You don't want to ruin an expensive bulb!

And I've loads of good money saving ideas, probably cos I'm perpetually skint!