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Types
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Standard household incandescent bulbs (tungsten or halogen) with clear or frosted opaque glass warm reptile habitats during the daytime. Twelve to 14 hours of white light is an average requirement for reptiles, according to Animal Planet. Special red or blue nocturnal incandescent heat bulbs are used at night. These bulbs emit heat without the glare of bright, white light. Incandescent bulbs can be attached to a timer to regulate basking hours. Most reptile set-ups also require lighting that provides UVA and UVB to maintain health.
Temperature
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Although temperatures vary for different species of reptiles, as a rule of thumb, most habitats should maintain a temperature of 75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Reach these temperatures by attaching incandescent heat bulbs to the outside of the reptile habitat, according to Animal Planet's online Reptile Guide. Heated rocks, under-tank heat pads and ceramic infrared heat emitters also elevate the temperature of a reptile habitat.
Benefits
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Heating created by incandescent bulbs and other heat sources reduces a reptile's chance at developing infectious diseases and boosts his immune system, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual's Reptile Management guide. Providing additional heat sources replicates the animal's native habitat, making him happier and helping him aclimate faster to his captive environment.
Positioning
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Incandescent bulbs are often used for reptile basking during daytime. Position the bulb on one end of the tank creating a warm zone. The far opposite end of the tank will remain a few degrees cooler so the reptile can regulate his body temperature simply by moving about his habitat as he would in the wild. Keep the incandescent bulb a minimum of 18-inches from the reptile's substrate, reducing the chance of a fire.
Warnings
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Thermometers should be used in the reptile habitat to monitor the combined heat output of incandescent lights and other heat sources. Incandescent bulbs can vary in their heat producing capabilities, which may lead to an over- or under-heated habitat and an unhealthy reptile. Digestion and shedding are dependent on proper heating. Place a thermometer near the incandescent bulb and one on the opposite end of the tank to get a range of temperature readings.
Keep all heat and lighting sources away from flammable materials. Habitats with hot incandescent bulbs should not be near window coverings, bedding, loose papers on a desk or carpeting. Animal Planet advises pet owners to place fire alarms in rooms with incandescent bulbs used for heat.
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Incandescent Lamps As a Heat Source
Incandescent light fixtures are an inexpensive way to add heat to a pet reptile's habitat. Place the bulbs in protective metal light fixtures and clamp them on the lid of a metal-wire-covered cage for a secure daytime heat source. Incandescent bulbs make it possible for reptiles to bask in the glow of warm, bright heat in a similar fashion to basking in the sun in the wild.