I agree thats normal -- adjust the basking decor piece and / or a higher wattage bulb -- but you MUST have a digital probe thermometer to get accurate temps 105-110 -- IR guns are good but they do not read off of certain materials like hammocks example --- and please make sure your using correct UVB as well NO COILS -- they are inadequate -- you need a long tube fixture like a Zoo Med Sunblaster or Arcadia --- they are all good fixtures along w/ a Reptisun 10.0 T 5 or the Arcadia 12% bulb -- distance and placement is crucial for the bulbs ---