Heating Help

[Grace28933]

Hi, I am a new beardie owner and I am concerned that my tank isn't warm enough. I have a 150 watt basking bulb and a UVB bulb in one of those double dome lamps, and under those bulbs is also where I have his heated rock. However, the thermometer for that side still only says around 90 degrees. I don't have another thermometer to measure the cooler side, but my apartment is kept at around 70 degrees.
I am considering getting a heating mat. I found this one on Amazon and the image shows that I could put in on one of the sides of the tank (instead of under) and the arrows tell me that the heat would spread through the whole tank. Plus, it has adjustable heat so that i can decide what temp to make it. Would this be beneficial?

 

[KarrieRee]

Ok so first off the UVB bulb is a coil correct? It needs to be replaced w/ this
https://www.pangeareptile.com/store/images/detailed/8/t5-ho.jpg these are the best on the market - you can look other places to find them-- this place is really good -- they are quick at this point the UVB you have is not any good and not ideal for UVB ---
Next what size is the tank? If its a 40 gallon the UVB fixture will be a good fit-- anything over a 40 gallon tank - you do not want the fixture the same length as the tank
Next as far as heating - we do not recommend mats or rocks - dragons heat from their backs not the stomach -- how are you taking basking temps-- NO stickons they are inaccurate -- you need a actual basking temp taken w/ a digital probe thermometer it needs to sit for 10 minutes on the spot he basks- if you need more heat if your tank is falling below 65 at nite get a CHE ceramic heat emitter -- it produces no light only heat - they can sit on top of the screen I use them for my two tanks in the winter time keeps my tanks around 70 at nite -- basking temps for a baby should be around 105-110
Karrie

 

[Grace28933]

Okay, so I should replace the UVB bulb in the double dome with a long UVB instead? I can do that.
It is a 40 gallon tank.
The heating rock was bought by his previous owner, but my dragon loves it. Is it unhealthy? I unplug it at night.
https://www.amazon.com/Reptile-Terrarium-Digital-Thermometer-Temperature/dp/B07DLG2PXC/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=reptile+tank+temperature+probe&qid=1591752088&sr=8-4
Also, would this be a good quality temp probe to get?
Thanks for all the help!

 

[WinFam01]

Congrats on your new baby!
Karrie is quite experienced on all things uvb, she will help you get set to keep your little guy (or girl) nice and healthy!.

 

[Draven88]

For the heat rock, they really aren't good. A beardie should be getting heat on its back from above. Those heat rocks are capable of causing real problems including burns.

Almost any digital probe will work well, and the one you linked is pretty much the same as any you will find in a pet store.

 

[Grace28933]

Okay, would it be okay to keep it in there but unplugged?
I will get the probe, better UVB bulb, and the heat emitter! Thank you for your help!

 

[Draven88]

The rock itself is fine if it isn't plugged in as just a piece of decor/spot to sit/climb. Its the heating element that could be dangerous.