Just upgraded to a 40 gallon ExoTerra tank and I'm having difficulty getting the cool side temps high enough. Currently using a par38 60 watt halogen flood for the basking spot. Basking temp is 105 degree F directly below the light, but quickly drops as I move away from that spot. Cool side is 74 degrees F. Temps are taken with an IR thermometer.
Do I need to switch to a higher wattage par38, add a second basking light, or a CHE?
Pic of enclosure. Substrate is tile. Basking platform is slate. I have a cover over the open part of the screen top to keep heat in.
Thanks in advance!
Sounds good to me also. I have some reptile enclosures that are over 6' long. I don't worry about the cool end temps. About 2/3 the tank has the correct temps, so unless my house is excessively cold..cool end temps don't matter much.
Thank you. So the sharp drop in temps right outside the basking area is okay? It drops from 90s to 80 in a matter of inches. Just want to make sure she has enough options. She has MBD and has difficulty moving around, so I try to make things as easy as possible for her (read: she is completely spoiled!)
It may not be a problem. It depends on how wide the basking level temps are though. I like to have a diameter that is at least as long as my dragon to allow for even basking. If it's not that wide, I'd try a higher wattage bulb and raise it up higher on an adjustable lamp stand to create a wider beam and see if that helps. I have my lights suspended over my tank (same tank you have).