I just got my baby BD yesterday. I have the Thrive front door 40g tank. I bought the kit and replaced the coil UVB bulb with a 50W Halogen. I am also using the 100w basking bulb. Both bulbs are housed in 8.5 domes on the hot side. The 100w directly over his mountain and the 50w off center from it. I bought a black light fixture from walmart and replaced the tube with a Zoo Med ReptiSun 10 and mounted it inside the tank with 3M command velcro strips. I bought 2 Acurite thermometers mounted on each side and a hygrometer in the middle. My cool side stays around 75-80 but I cannot get the hot side thermometer over 90. Should it read the recommended 100+ or is that air temp. He sits atop the mountain all day and Im wondering if cause his basking apot isnt hot enough.
Hello well your getting there -- the basking temps need to be taken w/ a digital probe thermometer - they need to be 105-110 for a baby--- your UVB needs a reflector - the reflector will project the UVB rays downwards toward him for best effects -- and I would get it off the back wall and place directly above the basking decor --- what is the bulb is it a T 5 or a T 8 thats going to help w/ the distance requirement --- the two bulbs require different distances --
Karrie
Hi Karrie,
I will grab a probe thermometer to check his basking site. It may be the right temp but the wall thermometer doesn't read it. The UVB is a T8 bulb. I wasnt sure how to mount it to the screen. I dont think 3M would be reliable and know I cannot place it on the outside.
Here are some ways to hang 3 M command Velcro fasteners- picture hanging wire –long plastic zip ties-fishing line -- potted plant wire hangers -- and these work really good I use these in my tanks they are like a Velcro strap cut in strips and wrap around the fixture https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-15-ft-Cable-Ties-Hook-and-Loop-Spool-Black-10375/304220195
Get the fixture situated in the tank then get a piece of basking decor directly underneath approx 6-8 inches
Karrie