Staying away from basking light

[aurucis]

Quick question, Vulkan (used to be kachu, either or really) will not bask for the life of him. He's active, pooping regularly, eating and all that, not a single stress mark, and has been nice and bright, except for his head which seems kind of gray on the top, like if he was shedding, but theres no loose skin. Main problem here, Is he will not go anywhere near his basking light. It's an exo terra 75 watt, and all the temperatures are correct.. I'm really worried that maybe my thermometer isn't working correctly or something.. Opinions?

 

[zimbabwepegasus]

Have you checked the temp where he's hanging out?
Many beardies prefer lower temps as they get older, is he getting a bit older (like around 1 year?)

Generally if he's healthy and active, don't worry about it!

 

[aurucis]

He's actually only 10 inches long atm.. I'm not really how old.. i'd guess around what 3 months?

 

[zimbabwepegasus]

Hmmmm okay.

What kind of UVB are you using (flourescent tube, compact/coil or mercury vapor bulb)? Please include brand
If he's on his basking spot how far away is he from the UVB source?
What are you using to take temps (digital therm with probe, analog/stick on or temp gun)? Again, please include brand.

 

[aurucis]

Well, he's got a reptisun 10.0 flourescant, and i reckon he can get about 8-10 inches from his basking spot, and I'm using a digital thermometer with a probe, the brand is zilla or something..

Also, every time i set the probe on the drift wood under the basking light, it skyrockets to like 120 plus degrees.. I thought theres no way with a 75 watt bulb.. Pictureee

 

[NegativeCreep]

Also, every time i set the probe on the drift wood under the basking light, it skyrockets to like 120 plus degrees..

Over 120 degrees? Maybe you could try lowering the temps a bit. Some like it cooler than others, but I think over 120 might be too hot.

 

[aurucis]

You really think that a 75 watt bulb would cause it to be that hot though? My room gets pretty cold.. And when I put my hand in the tank it definately doesnt feel like 120 degrees.. I dont know how I could lower the temp anymore if it really is that hot..

 

[zimbabwepegasus]

Yeah.. I think it could get that hot.
Does his enclosure have a screen top?
From the pic it looked homemade and those don't have nearly as much ventilation.
You can drop down to a 60w and see what you are at or you can get a dome with a dimmer function. If you are electrically savvy (i am not!), you can splice the wire of the dome lid you have and add a dimmer.... I've heard rumors of this, I cannot vouch for it myself and frankly I'd go down to the snake basement and as them. Snake lovers are the ultimate DIYers.

You could try double checking with the therm. in your fridge or oven, leave it in for a good while though.
i do feel that it's more likely that it's really truly 120 than that the thermometer is off.
And that would certainly explain the behavior.

 

[aurucis]

It's not quite home made, and it does have vents in the back, but more importantly, where could I get a 60 watt basking bulb, There arent any on petmountain etc. Thanks!

 

[zimbabwepegasus]

Oh sweetie!
You don't need reptile basking bulbs, you can use normal household bulbs! There is affect on the health of your beardie. Reptile specific bulbs tend to produce whiter light and run a little hotter. Here's how it goes from coolest per watt to hottest:

1. normal household bulb
2. reptile basking bulb
3. halogen bulb

#1 & #3 are available at the supermarket. Obviously for you the household bulb is the best option. I don't bother buying reptile basking bulbs anymore, they are too expensive & seem to burn out more quickly.
Good luck!

 

[aurucis]

When you say household bulb do you mean one you would just put in a lamp? Or like a flood light for basking

 

[zimbabwepegasus]

One you would just put in a lamp!

 

[aurucis]

Okay, it will be sufficient for a basking light? Only reason I got the reptile one is because it said it provided UVA.

 

[zimbabwepegasus]

Meh. Your UVB bulb will provide UVA also and households provide a little bit of UVA.
Household bulbs are commonly recommended through out reptile land as an eqiuvalent to reptile basking bulbs. They produce a more yellow light and don't run as hot, so some people do prefer the official "reptile basking bulb"- frankly I prefer $1 to $10. Especially when I'm trying to figure out what wattage I need.
Basically the choice btwn household or reptile basking is totally cosmetic.

 

[aurucis]

Thankyou so much!! we switched it while he was reading, temps are reading 110-111 and he jumped right under it after destroying 40 crickets! heres a picture, I'm so happy now!