Basking temperature problems

I just got a zoomed 40 gallon tank kit and the 150w basking bulb doesn't emit enough heat on the basking spot. The highest it goes is 88 degrees Fahrenheit and I'm using a laser temperature check. This is the second day it's been on and it's at an 86. I don't know what to do other than to get a new bulb.

It's a zoomed basking bulb, that's all it says on the box

How far is the basking globe from the basking spot ?

How are you measuring the temperatures (exactly) ?

If you using a digital thermometer (like this http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Digital-LCD-Thermometer-Temperature-Gauge-Probe-Sensor-50-C-TO-110-C-Range/262976481511?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D20140106155344%26meid%3Ddff19a163ad3456c88498d345b14014f%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D152552282270 ) and are sure of the temperatures, then try '
>> raising the basking spot so it is closer to the basking bulb
or
>> try positioning the basking globe closer to the basking spot ( you are not obligated to sit your lights ontop of a mesh lid).

If you can't get within cooee of a basking spot temperature of 40-43 degCelsius , consider replacing the existing basking globe with a domestic (indoor/outdoor) par38 colourless incandescent or halogen spot globe (with a higher wattage, these have the following advantages
> cheaper
> dimmable
> can be bought just about everywhere (that sells light globes and light fittings)
> they are very durable.

Littlelizardstarman":fjf9nh8x said:

It's a zoomed basking bulb, that's all it says on the box

Click to expand...

Can you take a photo of your setup and upload it on here? That way we can see what is going on with your lighting setup Also listen to kingofnobbys great suggestions

150w should be way more than enough to get that basking temp correct. I only use a 65w indoor halogen bulb for both my enclosures and my beardies are plenty toasty, but they bask on a tall perch about halfway up the enclosure.

How close are you holding the temp gauge to the surface?
I agree photos would also help

idk how to upload pictures on there through my phone. The basking spot is 5 inches away from the bulb and I'm using my dads temperature gauge, it's a laser pointer

I solved the problem, let this be the seventh time I've had to reposition Starman's basking log and the millionth time I had to check the temperature. It's at a 95-96 Fahrenheit. Thanks for all that have suggestions

Hello,

Were you able to get the basking temperatures up & you are using a digital probe or a temp gun
to measure them?
To post & Upload pictures, just click on the XIMG funcion here in the message box to upload your pictures. Then you can just copy/paste them onto your message response.
Starman is a great name, by the way!

Tracie