Arcadia Reptile Deep Heat Projector 80W

The Arcadia Reptile Deep Heat Projector 80W provides powerful infrared heating for reptile enclosures without producing significant visible light.

Unlike traditional ceramic heat emitters, the Deep Heat Projector produces substantial Infrared-A and Infrared-B energy.

As a result, it provides a form of radiant heating that more closely resembles important parts of the sun’s infrared spectrum.

In addition, the projector uses an internal reflector to direct heat toward the basking area.

Infrared-A and Infrared-B Heating

Infrared energy is an important part of the natural heating environment experienced by reptiles.

The Arcadia Deep Heat Projector produces both Infrared-A and Infrared-B wavelengths.

These wavelengths can warm exposed surfaces and contribute to heating the animal’s body.

Therefore, the projector is useful for creating a controlled overhead heating zone.

Heat Without Visible Light

Many conventional basking bulbs produce both heat and visible light.

However, the Arcadia Deep Heat Projector produces virtually no visible light.

As a result, it can provide warmth without introducing bright light into the enclosure.

This makes it useful for reptiles that require additional heating during nighttime hours.

Powerful 80W Output

The 80W model provides more heating power than Arcadia’s 50W Deep Heat Projector.

Therefore, it may be useful for larger enclosures, cooler rooms or setups requiring additional heat.

However, the correct wattage depends on the enclosure and animal.

Always measure temperatures before selecting a heat source.

Key Features & Benefits

• 80W infrared heater: Provides powerful overhead heating for reptile enclosures.
• Infrared-A output: Supplies shorter-wavelength infrared energy.
• Infrared-B output: Adds additional radiant heating wavelengths.
• Virtually no visible light: Allows heating without bright illumination.
• Day and night use: Can maintain warmth without disrupting darkness.
• Wide heat beam: Distributes radiant heat across a usable basking area.
• Internal reflector: Helps direct heating energy toward the enclosure.
• Fast heating: Reaches operating temperature quickly.
• Dimmable: Compatible with a suitable dimming thermostat.
• Temperature gradient: Helps establish warm and cool zones.
• 110–120V: Designed for North American electrical systems.
• E26 fitting: Compatible with suitable North American ceramic lamp holders.
• Separate UVB: Works alongside appropriate reptile UVB lighting.
• Single projector: One 80W Deep Heat Projector per package.

Why Choose a Deep Heat Projector?

A Deep Heat Projector provides infrared heating without producing significant visible light.

Therefore, it can be useful when heat is required but additional illumination is not.

For example, reptiles that need supplemental nighttime heating may benefit from a thermostatically controlled projector.

In addition, the broad heat beam helps create a usable heating zone.

Efficient Heat Direction

The Arcadia Deep Heat Projector contains an internal reflector.

As a result, more of its heat is directed toward the intended basking area.

This helps reduce energy lost in unwanted directions.

However, heating performance still depends on mounting distance and enclosure conditions.

Controlled Temperatures

The projector can be connected to a compatible dimming thermostat.

Therefore, its output can be adjusted as temperatures change.

In addition, a thermostat helps reduce the risk of overheating.

Understanding Infrared Heating

What Is Infrared-A?

Infrared-A is the shorter-wavelength portion of the infrared spectrum.

It is an important component of the radiant heat received from sunlight.

Therefore, Infrared-A contributes to warming reptiles and exposed basking surfaces.

What Is Infrared-B?

Infrared-B occupies the middle portion of the infrared spectrum.

It also contributes to radiant heating.

The Arcadia Deep Heat Projector produces both Infrared-A and Infrared-B.

As a result, it offers a different heating profile from a conventional ceramic heat emitter.

How Is It Different From a Ceramic Heat Emitter?

Traditional ceramic heat emitters produce heat primarily through longer-wavelength infrared radiation.

In contrast, the Arcadia Deep Heat Projector produces substantial Infrared-A and Infrared-B.

Therefore, the two products deliver different types of radiant heat.

Both can provide useful heating when installed correctly.

Does It Produce UVB?

No. The Deep Heat Projector does not produce UVB.

It is designed to provide infrared heating.

Therefore, reptiles requiring UVB must have a separate suitable UVB lighting system.

Does It Produce Daytime Light?

No. The Deep Heat Projector produces virtually no visible light.

Therefore, it cannot replace a suitable daytime lighting system.

For example, a separate LED or UVB fixture may be needed to establish a normal day and night cycle.

Arcadia Deep Heat Projector Temperature Guide

Arcadia provides reference temperature measurements for its 50W and 80W Deep Heat Projectors.

The following figures show the manufacturer’s published results at different distances.

Why Distance Matters

Radiant heating becomes more concentrated as the distance between the projector and basking surface decreases.

Therefore, placing an 80W projector too close to an animal can produce excessive temperatures.

Always maintain safe mounting distances and prevent direct contact with the heating element.

Check Surface Temperatures

Use a suitable infrared thermometer to measure the basking surface.

In addition, use a digital thermometer to check enclosure air temperatures.

Therefore, you can confirm that both the basking area and cooler side remain suitable.

Suitable Reptiles & Enclosures

The Arcadia Deep Heat Projector 80W may be suitable for many reptiles that require overhead heating.

However, the correct wattage and temperature depend on the species and enclosure.

Ball Pythons

Ball pythons require suitable warm and cool areas within their enclosures.

Therefore, a thermostatically controlled Deep Heat Projector may be useful for overhead heating.

However, the 80W model may produce excessive heat in smaller or well-insulated PVC enclosures.

Always measure temperatures and provide secure hides.

Boa Constrictors

Boa constrictors can benefit from suitable overhead heating.

As a result, a Deep Heat Projector may help create a warm area within the enclosure.

However, larger boas may need a broader heating arrangement.

Therefore, confirm that the heated area is appropriate for the animal’s size.

Leopard Geckos

Leopard geckos can benefit from suitable overhead radiant heat.

Therefore, a Deep Heat Projector may be useful in some setups.

However, 80W can be excessive in smaller enclosures.

As a result, use a dimming thermostat and confirm basking temperatures carefully.

Blue-Tongued Skinks

Blue-tongued skinks need suitable daytime basking temperatures.

A Deep Heat Projector may help provide supplemental infrared heating.

However, it does not replace daytime illumination or UVB lighting where required.

Other Reptiles

Many other reptiles may benefit from controlled infrared heating.

However, heating requirements vary considerably between species.

Therefore, always select the wattage and thermostat settings according to the animal’s needs.

Daytime & Nighttime Heating

Daytime Heating

The Arcadia Deep Heat Projector can provide radiant warmth during the day.

However, it does not produce the visible light required to establish a normal daytime environment.

Therefore, pair it with appropriate daytime lighting.

For reptiles requiring UVB, use a suitable UVB system as well.

Nighttime Heating

The projector produces virtually no visible light.

As a result, it can provide nighttime warmth without illuminating the enclosure.

However, many reptiles benefit from a natural nighttime temperature drop.

Therefore, only provide nighttime heating when necessary for the species and room conditions.

Use Separate Temperature Settings

Some advanced reptile thermostats allow different daytime and nighttime temperature settings.

For example, a compatible Herpstat thermostat can help manage heating schedules.

As a result, the enclosure can maintain a suitable day and night temperature cycle.

Installation & Safe Use

Step 1: Choose a Suitable Fixture

First, use a heat-rated ceramic E26 lamp holder designed for the projector’s operating temperature.

The fixture must be rated for at least 80W.

In addition, follow the lamp holder manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Step 2: Position the Projector

Next, install the projector above the intended heating area.

However, maintain enough distance to prevent excessive temperatures.

Also, make sure the reptile cannot touch the hot projector.

For example, an internally mounted projector may require a suitable protective heat lamp guard.

Step 3: Connect a Dimming Thermostat

Connect the projector to a compatible dimming thermostat.

As a result, the thermostat can adjust heating output as enclosure temperatures change.

However, always follow the thermostat manufacturer’s probe placement instructions.

Step 4: Check Basking Temperatures

Allow the enclosure to reach its normal operating temperature.

Then, measure the basking surface with an infrared thermometer.

In addition, check air temperatures with a suitable digital thermometer.

Therefore, you can confirm that the heating setup is appropriate.

Step 5: Provide a Cooler Area

Reptiles must be able to move away from the heat source.

Therefore, provide a suitable temperature gradient within the enclosure.

In addition, offer hides and shaded areas appropriate for the species.

Step 6: Inspect the Equipment

Finally, inspect the projector, lamp holder and thermostat regularly.

However, always disconnect power and allow the projector to cool before handling it.

Replace damaged equipment immediately.

Why Use a Dimming Thermostat?

Accurate Temperature Control

A dimming thermostat adjusts the electrical power supplied to the projector.

As a result, it helps maintain the selected temperature.

Unlike a basic on/off thermostat, a dimming model can reduce heating output gradually.

Suitable for Deep Heat Projectors

Arcadia recommends dimming thermostat control for Deep Heat Projectors.

Therefore, a compatible digital dimming thermostat is a suitable choice.

For example, Herpstat thermostats offer proportional heating control.

Temperature Monitoring Still Matters

A thermostat controls the heat source. However, it does not replace regular temperature checks.

Therefore, measure basking surfaces and air temperatures independently.

Also, check that the thermostat probe remains securely positioned.

Product Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions