Retaining Heat in my Enclosure

[HillaryBD]

In that enclosure is my 3 month old male beardy name Hillary. Recently I have moved him from his cramped 10 gallon tank to a 55 gallon tank, which I do not have a lid for. Instead, I'm using his old lid to hold his 160 watt Fluker's mercury vapor bulb and a 75 watt zoo med red bulb. (I know the color is not ideal, but my exo terra bulb stopped working after only 2 months of use). Anyways, a problem I am having is retaining heat in his enclosure so that it is above 88 degrees. I was just wondering if there was a simple way of fixing this problem, like simply replacing the red bulb. Thanks.

 

[CooperDragon]

What are you using to measure the temps? Are you sure you have accurate readings? I would imagine that the two bulbs would be enough to achieve a proper temperature gradient. I would replace that red bulb with a ceramic heat emitter on a dimmer so you can fine tune the temperature output as needed.

 

[HillaryBD]

What are you using to measure the temps? Are you sure you have accurate readings? I would imagine that the two bulbs would be enough to achieve a proper temperature gradient. I would replace that red bulb with a ceramic heat emitter on a dimmer so you can fine tune the temperature output as needed.

I am usinng a single Fluker's thermeter/hygrometer. It is on the basking side of the enclosure. I'm pretty sure it is accurate, however I do think the problem is the red bulb. Thanks.

 

[HillaryBD]

UPDATE

I put the other reptile carpet on his tank and the temperature has risen to 92 degrees. I think that this will hold him over until I get a ceramic bulb.