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 #1730216


Geezle
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 Dimer switches

I’ve recently added dimmer switches to all of my heat lamps for all my herps. A dimmer switch works in the same way a rheostat works (actually it is just a rheostat in disguise) by reducing the amount of power going through the line into the bulb.

I got these this spring when things started warming up outside...I noticed that the temps in some of my enclosures were getting too high with the bulbs I had in there. I messed around with different wattages and bulb types and got things where I wanted them, but then the weather changed and threw it all out of whack.

I also live on the 3rd floor of an apartment building, and the heat fluctuates in here a fair bit...I face west so in the late afternoon it gets quite warm in here and it’ll raise the temps of my tanks. Now if I was to try to keep up with changing bulbs to maintain my temperatures I’d be changing bulbs 2-3 times daily.

The solution I found for this was dimmer switches. I shopped around to see what was available, and without actually getting down to wiring in a switch, I found the simplest, most cost effective solution was to get lamp dimmers from Ikea. Here they cost about $13 each, compared to a similar reptile rheostat which would cost closer to $30 if I remember correctly from the one I have.

The lamp dimmer is just a cord with a sliding dimmer on one end, and the plug on the other. The plug end plugs into the wall, and then the light plugs into the back of the dimmer plug, also right at the wall, if that makes sense. Then you can adjust the light with the dimmer switch. They are rated for 300 watts which is more than I need for any of my uses...I do have one with a short extension cord and 3 lights running off it, but even that is under 200 watts total.

So now I can tweak my temperatures in all my tanks the way I want them, which like I sad is particularly useful in my case where my place has fairly large temperature fluctuations.

Here’s a shot of the dimmer cord itself...it’s from the Ikea website so I hope it works here. You can’t really see it well, but the plug in end is kinda large so you can plug your light into the back of it, and then just have the slider come out wherever it is convenient for you.




Ikea dimmer
05/09/08  11:12am

 #1730221


Geezle
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   Message To: Geezle   In reference to Message Id: 1730216


 Dimer switches

I should also add that having a dimmer (and quality temp gun and thermometer) will help avoid the "what wattage do I need) question, as you can just start with a higher wattage bulb and then crank it down to where you need it to be.

Being able to adjust your lights when you need will also help cut down the power bill a bit.
05/09/08  11:18am

 #1730223


DaliaRose
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   Message To: Geezle   In reference to Message Id: 1730216


 Dimer switches

Interesting! Thanks for info on a great find :) I live in Florida so I don’t think I’ll have the problem with our steady climate. It’s a great idea though, and I’m sure it will save a lot of people some money!
05/09/08  11:20am

 #1730241


Minya
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   Message To: DaliaRose   In reference to Message Id: 1730223


 Dimer switches

that IS a great idea!! the heat in my place fluctuates badly. thanks for the info. i will order some now!!

i do recall someone else did this a couple of years ago, but he broke down the plug and installed the switch. this is much better.



05/09/08  11:39am

 #1730245


Minya
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   Message To: Minya   In reference to Message Id: 1730241


 Dimer switches

oh, you cannot use it on a MVB.



05/09/08  11:41am

 #1730247


Geezle
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   Message To: Minya   In reference to Message Id: 1730241


 Dimer switches

Well, if you’re comfortable working with electricity you can just go out and get a wall dimmer for a couple dollars and wire it in and it’ll be much cheaper. I like this method though because first off, it’s just plain easy, and secondly I don’t need to worry about splicing wires and playing with electricity!
05/09/08  11:42am

 #1730254


Cphill58
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   Message To: Geezle   In reference to Message Id: 1730247


 Dimer switches

That’s such a coincidence that you all are talking on this subject....I was contemplating gettin the 30 dollar rheostat ... the better one /500 watts capability. And I went to the Home depot and saw that even the cheap dimmer you mentioned handles 600 watts. About 4.00 + a plastic gang box and some extension cord...... I found the directions on how to do it at king snake .com...don’t remember where exactly but it is there.

And I work for an electrical contractor ....lmbo ... I was mentally anguishing on how to acheive this whole temp thing and I had the answer in my garage practically.DOAHHHH

If any one wants to build one I will gladly post instructions and pictures.



05/09/08  11:57am


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