Issues with Big Apple Ceramic Heat Emitters - Opinions very welcome

Originally Posted by Bill & Amy

I had the same happen with a Zoo Med 250 watt ceramic heater. The ceramic came loose from the base and it just quit working. I know there isnt anything I trust completely. I check temps as often as possible in any given day.

It's one thing to come loose, I've had a Zoo Med do that. Caused by dropping the bulb or turning it into the socket too tightly (this being the most common cause). But... I've never seen one melt! It's not the falling appart that scares me as much as the end of the bulb MELTING.

Originally Posted by Bill & Amy

I just had another ceramic heat emitter take a nose dive!! That is two new units quit working within 2 weeks of being installed!! This time it was an Exo Terra 250 watt. Time to switch to something else! I have plastic vision cages on the way, thinking of using a heat tape or something any suggestions? Beating my head against the wall might help right now!

Just use Zoo med and tighten them in carefully. I've got about 10 or so of those running and as long as you are careful about how you isntall them, they take forever to die.

I also just had a problem with the Exo Terra bulb, lasted 4 days, getting a Zoo Med replacement.

Originally Posted by crotalusadamanteus

That sucks! I guess BAH is going down hill. It's not just their CHE's, I've had problems with their thermostats also.

Well you get what you pay for with thermostats. Their thermostats are the same ones ESU sells with a different label. Same factory. They are cheep pieces of junk. Best is to buy a nicer one. I recommend MG reptile's selection. They'll run $85 or so, but they work really good and last. Come with a manufacturer warranty too.

Originally Posted by ccthera

Just use Zoo med and tighten them in carefully. I've got about 10 or so of those running and as long as you are careful about how you isntall them, they take forever to die.

I also just had a problem with the Exo Terra bulb, lasted 4 days, getting a Zoo Med replacement.

Thanks for the info! I make sure not to overtighten when installing, just because I know they are ceramic. I never had this much of a problem in the past. It just seems more and more manufacturers are more worried about their profit margin than the quality of the product. Replacing with substandard materials that are cheaper so they can get a bigger dividend check. Then as soon as the word gets out they suck, they change the product name and start all over again. Just to get a replacement is getting old. Sorry for rambling. I think I will stick with the people from the "good guys" section of this forum from now on.

turning it into the socket too tightly (this being the most common cause).

The Zoomeds suck. How about screwing it in normally and having it break?

Their bulbs die fast and so far 1 out of 2 CHE's have broken when installing them.

Garbage if you ask me.

I'm sticking to RHP's.

Originally Posted by Bill & Amy

I am leaning to the "flex watt" right now. I have heard many good things about it. I will be stacking the vision cages and running the "flex watt" on the under side of the cages and picking up a quality thermostat (not like the cheap one that went out today, but thats another thread ). Thanks for the help!!

Just wondering what model thermostat you ahd go out on you? Does it have a round top??

Originally Posted by justcage

Just wondering what model thermostat you ahd go out on you? Does it have a round top??

Yes it does!!

I dont remember the other info because it is already bagged up in the trash and out in the garage!

There are 2 models that have the round tops... JUNK!!!..lol..