Picture attached/Is he too close to the lights?

[momtothreeboys]

I was so happy that I finally found a branch for my bearded dragon but when I got home its a little tall. Can someone please look at my tank and let me know if he is too close to the lights? I have a 40 gallon breeder tank (36x18x18) . He is 2 1/2 inches from the heat lamp dome but is not directly under it. And because it is a large dome the light itself it another five inches into the dome. His head is at the edge of the heat lamp and it is reading 99.5 where his front feet are. He is about 11 inches from the UVB light (but at an angle.) He is at the back of the tank and the UVB light is at the front of the tank. Just want to make sure this is okay. Any ideas? I have attached a picture.

Thanks!

Jennifer

 

[AndyAMP88]

My input is that he is fine where he is. What are you checking the temperature with and what wattage bulb are you using? The lower the watt, the closer they can be typically if temperature range is on point. For example, my beardie's closest point to my bulb is about 8 inches. Any closer and the temperature raises significantly. But mine gets really hot so if yours doesnt, its fine.
As for your UVB, maybe closer or overhead would be better? It's best to be within 10 inches. Also if you can try to make it not at an angle. It's hard to explain, but UVB dies out the farther it spreads, and is much lower at angles than straight down.

 

[AndyAMP88]

Nevermind about one of my questions. I just saw the temperature probe in the picture. As long as that is what you're using, your temperature should be accurate. But I have a follow up question. Is the probe resting ON the log? If not, it's only measuring the air temperature, not the basking spot. So always make sure it's resting on top of the log for at least 45 mins before taking the temp reading. Hope this helps

Beautiful dragon by the way

 

[momtothreeboys]

Thanks for your help. I do use the digital probe but it was in the air so thank you for pointing that out. I have it resting on the log now to read the temp. If I were to put the UVB light over him than it would only be 2 inches away from him. Isn't this too close? Maybe I do need a shorter branch. Darn.

 

[LJean]

It is a cool looking branch. I have no idea how to help with the uvb. hmm..

 

[AndyAMP88]

What brand/watt UVB do you use? Mine is a ReptiSUN 10.0 ... and people have told me on here that 3" safe.

Maybe if you can prop up the UVB fixture somehow? Some people use small blocks of wood or just books to raise their fixtures a few inches. That's all you would need.

 

[momtothreeboys]

Great idea , thanks! I was thinking of hanging it...but propping it would probably work better. I will check it out tomorrow.

Jennifer

 

[LJean]

Propping up is a good idea.