Help increasing my temps

[jewels]

I have been having a hard time getting my basking temps where they should be. I have a dome light fixture that only handles 100 watts. I currently use the Zoo Med Repti Basking Spot Lamp 100w. It sits on top of the mesh lid to my 40 gal breeder tank. The basking spot is a rock that puts my beardie approx 10 inches (the rock itself is about 11 inches but then if you add my beardie to the rock it's approx 8-10 inches depending on what part of his body you measure from and how he is sitting etc) from the top of the cage where the light fixture sits. I have a temp gun that says the rock surface is usually between 85-90 degrees. What can I do to get the temp up? Is there a bulb that anyone can recommend that will work in my 100 watt max dome fixture? I also use the Reptisun 10 uvb light, and would prefer to stay away from a MVB because it worries me with my small children getting in and out of the enclosure and having to move the lights. Any ideas? Thanks!!!

 

[MissLizzard]

I have had some similar problems. i have insulated the outside of my viv with polystyrene tiles on the hot side, which has put temp up about 3 degrees or so.. still would like a little hotter, but tis better than it was.

 

[jewels]

Thanks for the tip! I think a new viv would help my situation but I have to convince my hubby to build one first! I'm sure the glass tank with mesh top doesn't really keep a lot of heat in. I've got to figure something out until I can get a better, more insulated viv!

 

[MissLizzard]

Exactly the same.. my "starter viv" is all glass and mesh. not happy about being sold it tbh, but not much i can do til we upgrade. hes only little right now. hopefully the weather will warm up soon which should help

 

[Goobs]

Maybe getting a mini dome and putting a 50 watt night bulb in it? You can attach it to a dimmer to regulate temp.

 

[jewels]

You mean like putting two domes side by side? I hadn't thought of that. I guess I thought it would be too spread out, but maybe not. Thanks for the idea!

 

[Goobs]

Thats what I have....a double mini dome with a 100 watt dayglo bulb and a 50 watt night bulb. I leave both bulbs on for the most part and my temps are great.

 

[Goobs]

Thats what I have....a double mini dome with a 100 watt dayglo bulb and a 50 watt night bulb. I leave both bulbs on for the most part and my temps are great.

 

[jewels]

Thanks! I will seriously look in to that. It could be just what I need until I can get a new viv. Between that and some better insulation, maybe I can get my temps up another ten degrees or more!

 

[jewels]

Thanks! I will seriously look in to that. It could be just what I need until I can get a new viv. Between that and some better insulation, maybe I can get my temps up another ten degrees. I wish I could just find a hotter bulb, but if not at least I've got some options. Thanks guys!

 

[jewels]

Oops! Sorry for the double post.... I didn't think the first one went through!

 

[spikerocks]

Aside from adding another light, you can fold a towel or small blanket and cover part of the mesh to help keep some heat in the tank. I have to do this for one tank which is closest to the window and it really helps. I just make sure not to have the towel under the heat lamp. A piece of fleece would also work. I cover an area about 8" long by 4" wide in front of the repti-sun. Works like a charm! Got my basking temps from 90 to 103!

 

[BabysMomma]

instead of buying a second dome and bulb and using two (which would cost just as much yes?), id recommend just getting one dome that accepts a higher wattage, and a higher wattage bulb. unless you can insulating the mesh works... how big is the viv?

 

[jewels]

It's a 40 gal breeder tank. It's "temporary" until my husband builds a custom viv... but I've been waiting on that awhile now!

 

[Blazindragon]

Have you tried a heat pad of some sort under the basking lite to raise up the temperature and like someone else had mentioned i think to cover up the other side of the tank with a piece of cardboard to hold in the heat but not to much cause you also want proper circulation