*EDIT*UPDATE* Heating Experiments!!

[Spoony]

Okay so I'm going through some trial and error here. For my basking light I have an Exo Terra 50W Intense Basking Spot bulb that boasts +75% Intense on the box. Now I've left this on for an hour and my hot side of the tank capped at 78F (I have a 40gal). I'm going to go to PetSmart today for a few things and I'm thinking I may need a higher wattage bulb. I think they make it in a 75W so that's what I'm gonna try.

Now, I've been seeing a few people mention dimming the lights.. Should I buy a fixture for the basking spot that dims for better control? Do you recommend a higher wattage bulb? Thanks for yor help!

 

[Spoony]

As I'm reevaluating my viv it looks like I'm gonna need a few heat sources. My viv is close to the ground (only place for it) and that may be why heating is so hard. I may have to have my CHE on all day to see if that does anything.. I'm still gonna try the higher wattage bulb and get a temp gun for my basking spot to see what happens..

 

[Spoony]

Left the lights on for 8 hours today.
17W ReptiSun 10.0
50W Exo Terra Intense Basking Halogen Bulb
60W All Living Things CHE

ReptiSun is attached to inner back wall of viv, CHE is over center of viv, and basking bulb is directly over basking rock on the right.

Cool/dark temp capped at 74F
Hot/bask temp capped at 84F

Gonna go out and try 75W Basking light on a dimmer to see if I can raise temp. Will try new bulb with and without CHE because I'd rather be able to leave CHE off except a few hours at night.

 

[Doublet74]

Just an observation but you don't need to keep buying Reptile specific basking bulbs. Just go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy a halogen bulb and a screw in dimmer. MUCH cheaper and will last ALOT longer.

 

[Spoony]

Lol I'll keep that in mind in the future. I at least wanna get the wattage down. Thanks!

 

[Spoony]

I've got a 150W on a dimmer. Works quickly and is managable. I'm working on optimal "dim" level now. Got a temp gun and it is my BFF right now.

 

[XiDiS]

I use a dimmer and a 150w bulb. Works the best... you can get whatever temp you need and with the light dimmed down the bulb will last longer.