Basking Temp Concern - 40 gal Terranium

[Zillamom]

Hi All!
What am I doing wrong?!?! I have a 40 gal terrarium for my beardie. He is over a year and 3 mths old. The basking area in the terrarium is not getting above 90 degrees. I went out yesterday and purchased a 150-watt bulb to fix the issue. I came home today after work and it's still just 90 degrees. I wasn't concerned until I noticed he's been extra lazy, not eating much of anything, and barely pooped in about a week. I've given him 2 baths 2 days in a row and he finally went but it was different (very runny and no white stuff). I was worried he had a parasite but then went again later yesterday and it was normal again. I mentioned it to my friend and he said his basking area should be much hotter. I've had issues with the lighting unit and had to replace bulbs a number of times. I figured that when I replaced the bulb, I replaced it with the wrong wattage. So yesterday, I got the 150-watt bulb but am I missing something because it is still only 90 degrees in his basking area! I was expecting the temp to rise considering I now have a 150-watt bulb in place of the 100 watts... It IS supposed to be 95-110 but the high is 90, right?? Evenings are obviously much cooler with his evening bulb. How do I make it warmer for him? Love this little dude and want to make sure I am doing what I need to to keep him healthy. HELP!

 

[KarrieRee]

Where do you have the tank ? Is it on the floor? Can you post pics of the tank and lighting? How are you taking those temps?
Karrie

 

[Zillamom]

The tank is 3 feet off the floor on a desk and my condo is at a minimum of 70 degrees. not sure how to post pics here...

 

[KarrieRee]

Go to top of page click on user image uploader-- download pics-- click reply-- on top of message box click on XIMG-- pics should down load
Karrie

 

[Zillamom]

 

[KarrieRee]

So the UVB looks like it could be a coil? If it is they are not good-- you need a Reptison 10.0 T 5 or Arcadia 10.0 T 5 you will need to buy a fixture for the T 5 -- both are tubes-- it is what most on here recommend-- it needs to get mounted inside the tank approx 10-11 inches from basking area-- the sand substrate also is not good - most of us on here have slated ceramic tile or non adhesive shelf liner-- both easy to clean w/ vinegar& water in spray bottle-- they are cheap and can be purchased at home Depot -- Lowe's etc-- sand causes slot of impaction-- you need to take actual basking spot temp w/ a infrared heat gun--- you can get that at Walmart for like $10--- that will give you actual basking spot temp-- take from inside the tank approx 2-4 inches from spot-- do this first and see where that temp is-- thanks
Karrie

 

[Drache613]

Moved by Moderator from General to Enclosures

 

[Zillamom]

How many watts on the 10 t5?

 

[KarrieRee]

Not sure on the Arcadia it is 12-14% and the Reptison is 24 watt -- i have the Reptison 24" fixture/ bulb
Karrie

 

[SPandS]

It sounds like that thermomter is off, which those types can be and usually are. They also only tell you the air temps and you really need to know the basking temp. As suggested already I would highly recommend getting an infrared temp gun. Nothing fancy, a cheap one will do. You can also get a digital thermometer to determine your air temps and make sure you have a nice variant in your tank.

 

[Zillamom]

I went to 2 pet stores last night. The largest bulb 10.0 bulb in t5 is 24" and so was the hood. My tank is 36" long and spending over $100 I need to find something that fits. I am planning on getting tiles today and rietting rid of the Zilla, desert blend walnut turf if it is bad for him. So right now I have a 100watt and 150 watt bulb on overhead and the 10.0 bulb. My question is, if I rid of the dome and get the 10.0 t5 what about the basking lamp? Does it account for both or do I still need to have the dome and basking bulb? I will definitely get a new digital thermometer today also.

 

[SPandS]

The 10.0 t5 only provides uvb so you will still need a bright white basking bulb. 24" on a 36" tank is perfectly fine and actually better than getting one that covers the entire enclosure. It will allow a gradient in uvb levels so your dragon can move closer or away from the light depending on his needs. I bought both of my fixtures as well as bulbs online, it's usually way cheaper than in-store.

 

[Zillamom]

Ugh... that stupid thermometer is NOT working properly. I will get the proper lighting tho. The 10.0 t5 and hood and a stand for the dome lighting. I thought the desert walnut mix was good for him and more natural. Is it really that bad?!

 

[KarrieRee]

Yes please change it----- I recommend slated ceramic tile or non adhesive shelf liner-- both can be bought at home Depot or lowes--- they are both cheap-- the tile would need to be cut to tank size-- if you plan upgrading to a bigger Tank I would go with the shelf liner-- they are very easy to keep clean -- vinegar / water in spray bottle-- I have paper towels under my tile it catches the watery/ urate-- just pull tile replace paper towel and clean w/ the vinegar and water
I would be getting a infrared heat gun if you don't have one already--- around $10 from Walmart home Depot or Lowe's
Karrie