Setup help please

[Izzy333]

Ok so i have the reptisun 10.0 in a 40 galling breeder, near the side where he is basking. I have bought a few different strength flood lights to see which one will work. The 100 w, which many people use, got his basking spot way over the correct temp, like 114, before I decided to change bulbs. I now have a 75 watt on a dimmer because that was even too high. I feel like i am sitting here constantly watching his temp and it keeps changing. Is there an easier way to regulate it. Do you guys mark your dimmers so you know where you have to set it at in the morning. I just feel frustrated, I was hoping to buy a bulb which would just give me the perfect temperature.

 

[Beardednoob]

I think a lot of us thought it would have been that easy, unfortunately there are so many more variable we don't think about when we are thinking basking lighting. Things like room temperature, proximity to a window or a door, elevation of the enclosure. Trial and error are the only things we can tell you, once you get it though, you will know. :wink:

 

[Izzy333]

What do u do to get it right the next day? Like tape down the dimmer light and just unplug it? This has been an all day long adventure. I thought I got it right and cooked something and just checked on him and it was at 98 at the basking spot, uh.

 

[Beardednoob]

You can mark your dimmer like you had mentioned. I also know where my lights should be and this and that for each enclosure. One of my enclosures I am still finding that perfect spot for the lights and this and that.

 

[BKRsBeardie]

How is it going. I know the temp thing can be frustrating, and no tank is the same. I followed advise when first getting my baby and ended up changing the basking light several times. One thing I found that has made things easier, is getting a GOOD thermometer. I use ACU Rite, you can get it from Walmart for 12.00, it will monitor the temp in the basking spot (probe) and set the base on the cool side to monitor it. It will check temps throughout the day/night and give you the higs and lows also the humidity.
I have found that if the probe isn't exactly under the light your temps can be off by quite a bit. Also, if when moving the top to feed or get your beardie out, the light may be moved an inch or two causing your reading to change quite a bit. My Beardie will move from her hammock to driftwood to her rock depending on what temp she wants to lay under. So keep this in mind also.
Good Luck!

 

[Izzy333]

Thank you for all the help, i finally got the temperature right, after only the entire day of doing it, lol. I bought the accurate I like it, I had to push pin it into his log at the very top, he didn't care just licked it then left it alone, lol. He is one spoiled lizard