So I finally got my two 4x2x2 Zen Habitats put together using their extension kit. I haven't moved my bearded dragon (~5 months old), Ziggy, in yet as I am trying to get the heat right. It has proven extremely hard to heat an 8 foot by 2 foot by 2 foot habitat.
The habitat is in my finished basement and while it is finished, it still stays 2-4°F cooler. I got the gradient pretty much nailed down. The issue is, everything else is dangerously hot. I had to use 6 different heat bulbs to get the air temps right as the temps plummet considerably without it. Say for example if I remove the two 100 watts bulbs, not only does the cool side drop the hot side will go from 96°F to 92-93°F at the far left and about 89°F in the middle. This my dilemma, I can't find a way to get the air temps right and the basking spots along with the tile floor. I can remove the ceramic tile, then the issue is the heat it keeps will lower the air temp. The tile in Ziggy’s current habitat gets about 103-106°F and Ziggy will lay on it no issues.
I wold love some guidance or ideas. I am all ears.
I have attached a picture with arrows showing the items and temp. I would love some help and guidance.
Surface temps taken with a temp gun.
The habitat is in my finished basement and while it is finished, it still stays 2-4°F cooler. I got the gradient pretty much nailed down. The issue is, everything else is dangerously hot. I had to use 6 different heat bulbs to get the air temps right as the temps plummet considerably without it. Say for example if I remove the two 100 watts bulbs, not only does the cool side drop the hot side will go from 96°F to 92-93°F at the far left and about 89°F in the middle. This my dilemma, I can't find a way to get the air temps right and the basking spots along with the tile floor. I can remove the ceramic tile, then the issue is the heat it keeps will lower the air temp. The tile in Ziggy’s current habitat gets about 103-106°F and Ziggy will lay on it no issues.
I wold love some guidance or ideas. I am all ears.
I have attached a picture with arrows showing the items and temp. I would love some help and guidance.
Surface temps taken with a temp gun.