Can someone help me?

[Foxx Hardy]

my parents wont get heat lamp for my family of garter snakes does anyone know where to find a cheep one?

[ConcinnusMan]

Welcome to the forum.

What kind of enclosure do you have and what are the dimensions?

I need to know so I'll know what size fixture and bulb wattage you need.

[guidofatherof5]

Nice to have you on the forum.
Not sure what area you live in but www.craigslist.com usually has some cheap items.
Just use the search word "reptile" and you should see what's available.
What kind of garters are you keeping?

[reptile65]

Depending on the size of the tank, you might be able to just use a regular household light bulb. My garter lives in a 10 gallon and I use a 40 watt bulb.

[ConcinnusMan]

Yeah, garters don't really need a special bulb. A soft white or household flood lamp bulb works fine but just make sure you choose a wattage that won't overheat the tank. It's recommended that you use a domed fixture. Also, you don't want to heat the entire tank so a long tank is better. makes it easier to create a temperature gradient. A warm end, and a cool end. Make sure there's plenty of places for them to hide if they choose to get away from the light.

[mustang]

my parents wont get heat lamp for my family of garter snakes does anyone know where to find a cheep one?

dont get the flukers ceramic lamps they suck! (theyre the cheap ones)

[infernalis]

I find reflector bulbs a the dollar store all the time.

a sixty watt "flood" lamp works great.

[ConcinnusMan]

Yes, I use a 60 watt flood lamp just like that one, purchased at dollar tree, for my 20 gallon long tanks. The snakes love it.

dont get the flukers ceramic lamps they suck! (theyre the cheap ones)

I disagree. They are not cheap, and they definitely do not "suck". Whatever you get, it's best to get something with a ceramic socket. Unless you have lizards that require UV, there's no need to pay more for a "basking bulb" though. Snakes don't need the UV.

[Foxx Hardy]

Thank you sooo much

[ConcinnusMan]

Safety first! about 12 inches above the bottom of the tank would apply for the above mentioned bulb. Never place a light bulb inside the tank. Put the dome light on top of a heat resistant screen top. Do not place wood or plastic plants in the path of the light close enough to overheat. Make sure the snakes cannot get close to the bulb. Be careful not to splash or drip water on a hot light bulb.