Cant seem to find the right daylight bulb

[cupcake143]

Can anyone make a suggestion here...I have my 8 month old beardie in a 40 gallon tank, and i had a 100 watt bulb in it, but that only allowed the surface temp to be like between 95 and 100 degrees. So I bought a 150 watt bulb (especially since its winter) but now the basking spot is like between 110 and 115! is this TOO hot? Pumpkin can get about 6 inches away from the lights on his basking tree. too close? He has been gaping for the last half hour, but other than that seems content.
Do you think the 150 watt bulb is too much?

 

[Evin]

Actually range between 110-120F is perfect basking temperature for bearded dragons but make sure he also has a cold spot in hes enclosure where the temps are 75-80F. What kind of UVB light are you using? If its reptisun tube 5.0 or 10.0(best for smaller enclosures) He should be able to get to it withing 8". What kind of thermometer are you using?

 

[Evin]

On other hand if it gets too hot at basking area you will see that because he won't go there, make sure you are not using any heat pads or heat rocks

 

[cupcake143]

Hi! I dont have a heat rock or anything. I have a reptisun 10.0 for uvb, and he can get about 7 inches away from it. Same with his heat bulb. I just wasnt sure if this was ok because the woman at the "pet store" said basking temp should be 105*, but its more like 110-115*. I had a previous beardie before this one for almost 2 years, and he always liked his temps hotter. So as long as its ok that hes getting that close to the light i guess everythings fine.....he seems happy and content but just keeps gaping and closing his eyes.

 

[cupcake143]

Oh yeah and i have a digital thermometer

 

[Evin]

Trust me he wouldn't sit there if he didn't like it. It's normal for beardies to open their mouth when they are basking because it helps them to control their body temperature (like dogs stick out their tongue). My dragon grew up with basking temp at 115F and he's in perfect health

 

[cupcake143]

well that makes me feel better to hear that.. i just wanted to get a 2nd opinion, got a little worried. My 2year old beardie passed away last week =( so i just want to be sure everything is perfect this time around

 

[Evin]

oh... i'm sorry to hear that...

 

[cupcake143]

Its ok thanks for your help