Stumped by Lighting...lots of questions...seeking input

[CoppersMomma]

So we've finally finished Copper and Onyx's Vivs, and now we can't seem to get the temperatures right for little Copper. Our Viv's are homemade 4x2x2, with non adhesive shelf liner and newspaper as substrates. *Pics to follow* We built fake structures as hideaways and stairs for basking, but after a quickly learned issue with the basking area, we opted for wood shelf Basking areas. So long story short, we were using 50w halogen flood bulbs, this works fine in Onyx's tank, but wasn't working for Copper's, we upped his to 75w, and that got WAY too hot; so that got changed to a standard household 100w (he's currently 90 under the light directly) We were thinking of getting CHE's as the tanks get to about 75 during the night, but the cool side of the tanks get to 85 when fully lit. We were also wondering what people are using lighting wise, we are contemplating just getting a basking light, or a MVB. Also, what is the standard when it comes to wattage for the CHE for Vivs our size...My Man never had this trouble with his other 4, so we're kinda stumped.

 

[shinedown]

Whenever I had problems like that in the past where one bulb was to hot and the next one too cold I would go for the one that gets to hot and plug it into a plug that I got at petsmart that allows you to dim the light. It was less than 20 dollars and let me get the temps right where I wanted them.

 

[CoppersMomma]

Thanks! :laughing6: That is definitely something I will be looking into, but I would like further input from others, just for options. :help:

 

[BotanicalStig]

I agree that a dimmer switch would probably be your best option. You could also cut extra/larger holes in your tank to increase airflow.