Needing some help with basking bulb temperatures

[umbrezon]

Hello!

I recently purchased a dubia 4x2x2 tank and I am working on making sure everything is perfect for my guy. I previously used a Reptisun basking bulb and dome at 75 watts in the 40 gallon he had and it got the right temps and everything.

Right now, I have a 100 watt basking bulb and it does not get the temps up enough (basking spot at around 90-91). I currently have it set with two bulbs now to get it hot enough (an additional 50 watt I had lying around), but I believe it is now too hot as the basking surface gets to 110 and he is an adult. I wanted to look for recommendations on how I could go about getting a bulb and dome that can be dimmed. Can a Reptisun bulb be used on a dimmer if I got a 150 watt and corresponding dome? The dimmer I am looking at is this one https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Crede...ocphy=1026008&hvtargid=pla-274342005344&psc=1.

Just wanted to make sure this sounds fine/the Reptisun bulb works fine with a dimmer or if I need to get some other type of bulb. Thanks!

 

[KarrieRee]

Hello!

I recently purchased a dubia 4x2x2 tank and I am working on making sure everything is perfect for my guy. I previously used a Reptisun basking bulb and dome at 75 watts in the 40 gallon he had and it got the right temps and everything.

Right now, I have a 100 watt basking bulb and it does not get the temps up enough (basking spot at around 90-91). I currently have it set with two bulbs now to get it hot enough (an additional 50 watt I had lying around), but I believe it is now too hot as the basking surface gets to 110 and he is an adult. I wanted to look for recommendations on how I could go about getting a bulb and dome that can be dimmed. Can a Reptisun bulb be used on a dimmer if I got a 150 watt and corresponding dome? The dimmer I am looking at is this one https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Crede...ocphy=1026008&hvtargid=pla-274342005344&psc=1.

Just wanted to make sure this sounds fine/the Reptisun bulb works fine with a dimmer or if I need to get some other type of bulb. Thanks!

Flagging your post to CooperDragon he can help w / this
@CooperDragon

 

[umbrezon]

Here is a photo of my enclosure as well if anyone has any feedback - the hammock in the middle has been since covered with an old T shirt to prevent his foot or toe from getting stuck. The paper towels will get switched to safe loose substrate soon as my cat peed in the mix I was previously making and airing out and I had to toss it . I've been a little worried if my UVB is ok - its the T5 reptisun hood with a 10.0 bulb but I wasn't sure if it's too far. There are also thermometers on both sides now.

 

[KarrieRee]

View attachment 76978

Here is a photo of my enclosure as well if anyone has any feedback - the hammock in the middle has been since covered with an old T shirt to prevent his foot or toe from getting stuck. The paper towels will get switched to safe loose substrate soon as my cat peed in the mix I was previously making and airing out and I had to toss it . I've been a little worried if my UVB is ok - its the T5 reptisun hood with a 10.0 bulb but I wasn't sure if it's too far. There are also thermometers on both sides now.

Your screen will determine the placement of the UVB - please post a pic of it from above --- I would get the tank off the floor --- it may raise the temps in the tank for you - floors are cold and drafty - tanks will be harder to heat if they have a constant cold air flow --- and I would invest in some bigger domes like a 8.5 w/ a reflector-- or at least one

 

[umbrezon]

Your screen will determine the placement of the UVB - please post a pic of it from above --- I would get the tank off the floor --- it may raise the temps in the tank for you - floors are cold and drafty - tanks will be harder to heat if they have a constant cold air flow --- and I would invest in some bigger domes like a 8.5 w/ a reflector-- or at least one

Here's a photo from above - I mounted inside due to distance and didn't want the mesh to block rays. I'm planning to get a bigger Flukers dome when I get the bulb (these domes aren't rated for over 100 watts), as long as its ok to use a dimmer with them and the bulb. I don't currently have anything I can put the tank on, been on the look out for a large enough yard sale table but haven't come across one yet but I am looking!

 

[KarrieRee]

View attachment 76982

Here's a photo from above - I mounted inside due to distance and didn't want the mesh to block rays. I'm planning to get a bigger Flukers dome when I get the bulb (these domes aren't rated for over 100 watts), as long as its ok to use a dimmer with them and the bulb. I don't currently have anything I can put the tank on, been on the look out for a large enough yard sale table but haven't come across one yet but I am looking!

Try your second hand furniture stores- I picked up a dresser w/ drawers for $40 before pandemic - works great - you want a dome rated for wattage 150 or 160

 

[CooperDragon]

I have that dimmer and use it sometimes while traveling. It works with most halogen and incandescent bulbs ive tried but some of the make a buzzing sound if dimmed too much. Best to use it just to fine tune temps when needed. I would look at getting an adjustable lamp stand and a bigger dome like mentioned earlier. Look for a chicken brooder dome at a farm supply store. They work well and are cheaper than reptile branded domes. Then you can use a more powerful bulb and just raise it higher up.

 

[umbrezon]

I have that dimmer and use it sometimes while traveling. It works with most halogen and incandescent bulbs ive tried but some of the make a buzzing sound if dimmed too much. Best to use it just to fine tune temps when needed. I would look at getting an adjustable lamp stand and a bigger dome like mentioned earlier. Look for a chicken brooder dome at a farm supply store. They work well and are cheaper than reptile branded domes. Then you can use a more powerful bulb and just raise it higher up.

Should I avoid the dimmer then? And do you have a recommendation for any different bulbs maybe or lamp stands? I feel like a 125 watt bulb would probably get my temps to the right spot without a dimmer but I couldn't find one. I will go this weekend and look for a chicken brooder dome!

 

[CooperDragon]

The dimmer is ok. Ive just found I dont use it a lot and rather just change the bulb height. The zoomed stands are the best ive found. Not great build quality but get the job done. For bulbs yoy may just need to try a bunch of them to see what works best in your setup. Ive had good luck using halogens designed for photography (bright but narrow) and br40 incandescent flood bulbs from the hardware store (cheap, powerful, wide beam). Id start with those and see how they go over.