HELP! can't figure out why basking spot can't get hot enough

[kaitlynboone]

First of all, my bearded dragon is about 2 years old. I've read his basking spot should be between 100-110. I have a 40 gallon tank with a 150 watt bulb at the top (Fluker's daylight bulb). I have a long UV light as well. his basking spot is a little over a foot from the bulb, and its only getting to about 72 degrees F. This doesn't seem right to me. I had a 100 watt in there before this one (same brand) and it was a few degrees cooler. Could both of these bulbs really be faulty? they're brand new. The temperature of the room is about 65 at night and 70 in the daytime. I'm using a meat thermometer to get the temperature, could it be inaccurate?

Please help I feel so bad that I can't get it hot enough in there for him I'm considering buying a second bulb because maybe with 2 it'll be hot enough?

 

[Rankins]

I'm sure its partly due to using a meat thermometer to measure temps. They need to heat a lot of metal to measure properly.
Youll need a digital thermometer or a temp gun to get a good reading.

 

[kaitlynboone]

I'm sure its partly due to using a meat thermometer to measure temps. They need to heat a lot of metal to measure properly.
Youll need a digital thermometer or a temp gun to get a good reading.

I should have mentioned that its a digital meat thermometer, does that make a difference?

 

[Rankins]

Ahhh...
I still suspect the thermometer though. They are designed to read high temperatures. Not sure how accurate they would be for a purpose they were not designed for