Basking spot too hot?

[seandeangelis]

Hi, I have a 24" tall enclosure and my old basking spot was just below 100f so I got a new one that is taller. The taller basking spot gets up to about 117f at the hottest spot. A few inches to the side it is about 103f and that is where my beardie Norbert is spending most of his time. He does not look uncomfortable, he opens his mouth for a few seconds at a time, which I assume is to cool off, but doesn't seem too hot. My question is, is this too hot or is it OK because he isn't spending his time directly under the lamp? If it is too hot I have a lamp dimmer or I could just get a lower wattage bulb, thanks.

 

[CooperDragon]

Nah that should be fine. It sounds like he's already moving to get the temperature he wants. If you're using a halogen flood light it might be dimmable but if he doesn't seem bothered and has plenty of cooler areas I wouldn't mess with it much. I think you may find the temperatures fluctuate quite a bit if the temps in the room change, especially seasonally.

 

[seandeangelis]

OK, thanks for the reply, I wanted to be safe.