Heating problems

[RedBabi]

I have been having heating problems with my tank, I have an adult Beardie and he has a 40 gallon breeder.
His basking spot is only 4-6 inches below his heating lamps and the lamps are sitting on a mesh top, but I can never get the basking spot hot enough.
I just bought a digital thermometer and the temp in his basking spot reads 81.4. Yet I have not one but 2 100 watt heat bulbs about her.
In the past, when I had a much taller tank, the heat lamps would sit on top of the mesh and I would use 1 100 watt bulb and 1 50 watt bulb, and her basking temps would be 100-105.
The bulbs are pretty new, but I'm on my way out at the moment to get new ones just in case.
Just wondering what the problem could be :/

 

[brittani299]

It sounds like you should buy a new fixture. The basking is way too low right now.

 

[froggyfields]

i'm new here so definitely still learning but i have had the same probs with my 40 gal. putting a towel over the end without the lamps has helped to keep my aquarium warmer. keep us updated on what works for u

 

[RedBabi]

Thanks! I bought a new 100W basking light to go with 100w heat light, and put a towel over the other end of tank. Her basking spot is now reading at 104! ladies and gentlemen, we have a happy beardie!