Heat Lamp
100W
UVB
24" fixture
Monthly Cost
$9.48
US average: $0.16/kWh
Halogen basking lamp preferred. Replace UVB tube every 12 months.
| Type | Infrared | Light? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halogen | IR-A + IR-B | Yes | Daytime basking |
| CHE | IR-C only | No | Nighttime heat |
| DHP | IR-B + IR-C | No | 24/7 heat source |
| Heat Mat | IR-C contact | No | Not recommended |
Inputs
Result
A 48x24x24 glass tank needs about 100W to reach the 100–113°F basking range. The 24" T5 HO 12% tube covers half the enclosure for Zone 4 UVB. Total monthly electricity is about $9.47.
Inputs
Result
PVC insulation reduces the wattage needed. A 50W lamp reaches the 94–97°F basking range in this setup. Zone 1 species need only a low-output ShadeDweller UVB.
Inputs
Result
Mesh cages lose heat quickly (1.4x factor), requiring more wattage despite lower basking temps. The 12" nano tube covers the top basking area of this tall arboreal setup.
Heat lamp wattage depends on enclosure size, material, room temperature, and species. A bearded dragon in a 48x24x24 glass tank with a 72°F room needs about a 100W halogen basking lamp. Smaller enclosures and insulated materials like wood or PVC need less wattage.
| Species | Basking Temp | Typical Wattage | Ferguson Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bearded Dragon | 100–113°F | 100W | Zone 4 |
| Leopard Gecko | 94–97°F | 50–75W | Zone 1 |
| Ball Python | 88–92°F | 75–100W | Zone 1 |
| Blue-Tongued Skink | 100–105°F | 100W | Zone 3 |
Ferguson zones classify reptiles by their natural UV exposure. Zone 1 species like leopard geckos are shade dwellers needing minimal UVB, while Zone 4 species like bearded dragons bask in full sun and need strong UVB. The zone determines what UVB bulb strength to use.
| Zone | UVI Range | UVB Bulb | Example Species |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | 0–1.4 | ShadeDweller 2.5% / 5.0 | Leopard Gecko, Ball Python |
| Zone 2 | 0.7–3.0 | T5 HO 5.0/6% | Green Anole, Box Turtle |
| Zone 3 | 1.0–7.4 | T5 HO 10.0/12% | Blue-Tongue Skink, Chameleon |
| Zone 4 | 2.6–9.5 | T5 HO 12% or 14% | Bearded Dragon, Uromastyx |
A typical bearded dragon setup with a 100W basking lamp and 39W UVB tube running 14 hours per day costs about $9.47 per month at the US average of $0.16/kWh. Species needing less heat or shorter photoperiods cost significantly less.
| Species Setup | Daily kWh | Monthly Cost | Yearly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bearded Dragon | 1.95 kWh | $9.47 | $113.68 |
| Leopard Gecko | 1.04 kWh | $5.03 | $60.37 |
| Ball Python | 1.17 kWh | $5.70 | $68.40 |
Modern reptile care strongly recommends overhead heating from halogen basking lamps over under-tank heat mats. Halogen lamps produce IR-A and IR-B infrared which penetrate tissue deeply, mimicking natural sunlight. Heat mats only produce IR-C surface heat and cannot warm the air.
| Heat Source | Infrared Type | Emits Light | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halogen Lamp | IR-A + IR-B | Yes | Daytime basking (best) |
| CHE | IR-C only | No | Nighttime supplemental |
| DHP | IR-B + IR-C | No | 24/7 moderate heat |
| Heat Mat | IR-C contact | No | Not recommended |
The UVB tube should cover 50–66% of the enclosure length, placed on the warm/basking end. For a 48-inch enclosure, use a 24-inch tube. Use T5 HO for enclosures 18 inches or taller, T8 for shorter ones.
| Enclosure Length | UVB Tube Size | Bulb Type | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18–24" | 12" Nano | T5 or T8 | 50–66% |
| 36–48" | 24" | T5 HO | 50–66% |
| 48–60" | 34" | T5 HO | 50–66% |
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Last Updated: Mar 16, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.