Heating frustration

[IdkProbly]

I know the basking spot needs to be 95-110° but I feel like I have yet to achieve that temp. Right now I have 3 lamps on him: 1 UVB and 2 150watt basking bulbs, plus 2 heating mats on the sides of the tank. Thermo reads 81°. Do I need 4 lamps? Is there higher wattage for basking bulbs? Do I need in-tank non-lamp heat sources? Is my thermometer unreliable? Hoping to find some help so our little guy can thrive & be happy.

 

[Sadie]

I know the basking spot needs to be 95-110° but I feel like I have yet to achieve that temp. Right now I have 3 lamps on him: 1 UVB and 2 150watt basking bulbs, plus 2 heating mats on the sides of the tank. Thermo reads 81°. Do I need 4 lamps? Is there higher wattage for basking bulbs? Do I need in-tank non-lamp heat sources? Is my thermometer unreliable? Hoping to find some help so our little guy can thrive & be happy.

Oh my you may be over heating him --- please get 2 digital probe thermometers --- NO stickons they are inaccurate - you want surface basking temps taken w/ that probe 105-110--- what kind of UVB are you using? coil or a long tube fixture --- please get rid of the heat mats dragons heat from their backs not their stomachs

 

[IdkProbly]

Oh my you may be over heating him --- please get 2 digital probe thermometers --- NO stickons they are inaccurate - you want surface basking temps taken w/ that probe 105-110--- what kind of UVB are you using? coil or a long tube fixture --- please get rid of the heat mats dragons heat from their backs not their stomachs

They aren't mats on the floor but taped to the side and back of tank in the back corner...the uvb is a coil, exo Terra 15w (150) and then two exoterra 150watt basking bulbs. Got temp up to 87.6 after putting a towel over half of the top of the tank.

So, crap thermometer you say?

 

[IdkProbly]

They aren't mats on the floor but taped to the side and back of tank in the back corner...the uvb is a coil, exo Terra 15w (150) and then two exoterra 150watt basking bulbs. Got temp up to 87.6 after putting a towel over half of the top of the tank.

So, crap thermometer you say?

This is my thermometer.

 

[Sadie]

They aren't mats on the floor but taped to the side and back of tank in the back corner...the uvb is a coil, exo Terra 15w (150) and then two exoterra 150watt basking bulbs. Got temp up to 87.6 after putting a towel over half of the top of the tank.

So, crap thermometer you say?

Your probably got way to much heat in the tank - please take out the heat mats- get two digital probe thermometers stat! If your dragon over heats he can die- the coil uvb is no good please get one of these 24 " for a 40 gallon + tank--
Zoo Med this comes w/ a 5.0 bulb you want a reptisun 10.0
https://www.pangeareptile.com/products/zoo-med-reptisun-t5-hood
https://www.pangeareptile.com/products/zoo-med-reptisun-10-0-uvb-t5 or this one pet smart is carrying them you want the 12% bulb 24 watt
https://www.petsmart.com/reptile/en...s/arcadia-reptile-prot5-uv-b-kit-5312302.html
Or this one you will need to get the reptisun bulb I posted
https://hydrobuilder.com/sunblaster-nanotech-t5-ho-fixture-with-6400k-lamp.html you want the 2ft or 24 "
Please get 2 two zoo med digital probe thermometers- now pet stores usually carry them-- take the towel off

 

[IdkProbly]

Your probably got way to much heat in the tank - please take out the heat mats- get two digital probe thermometers stat! If your dragon over heats he can die- the coil uvb is no good please get one of these 24 " for a 40 gallon + tank--
Zoo Med this comes w/ a 5.0 bulb you want a reptisun 10.0
https://www.pangeareptile.com/products/zoo-med-reptisun-t5-hood
https://www.pangeareptile.com/products/zoo-med-reptisun-10-0-uvb-t5 or this one pet smart is carrying them you want the 12% bulb 24 watt
https://www.petsmart.com/reptile/en...s/arcadia-reptile-prot5-uv-b-kit-5312302.html
Or this one you will need to get the reptisun bulb I posted
https://hydrobuilder.com/sunblaster-nanotech-t5-ho-fixture-with-6400k-lamp.html you want the 2ft or 24 "
Please get 2 two zoo med digital probe thermometers- now pet stores usually carry them-- take the towel off

Ok so the long uvb provides light AND heat? That 10.0 & the fixture + 2 thermometers is all I should need?

 

[Sadie]

Ok so the long uvb provides light AND heat? That 10.0 & the fixture + 2 thermometers is all I should need?

No you need a good basking bulb - solid clear bright white bulb - what size is your tank? The exo Terra your using is good - please show me your tank - the digital probe you have is good get another one- something is off w/ all those bulbs etc the uvb provides uvb and is crucial to your dragons health it does not provide heat

 

[Sadie]

What are your ambient temps in the tank ? And to get a surface basking temp place the probe on the basking decor directly under the heat bulb where he sits for basking wait 10 min or so then get the temp-

 

[IdkProbly]

So much info on BDs not being warm enough...rarely mention getting too much heat..

 

[IdkProbly]

Just from moving probe a couple inches temp already up to 94 after only 5 min...will be buying the uvb you recommended but please advise if 1 or 2 of the bulbs I'm using for heat are ok.

 

[Sadie]

So much info on BDs not being warm enough...rarely mention getting too much heat..

What is the ambient temp on the hot side ? Middle of tank? And cool side of the tank? You want surface basking temps of 105-110- middle of tank 90's- and cool side 80ish during the day - night time temps 65-75 -- it is possible to over heat your dragon and it will make them sick- is your tank on the floor? Is it by a window ? In a cold room? By a outside door?

 

[Sadie]

Please let me know when you get the UVB -- distance and placement will be determined by the screen on the tank

 

[IdkProbly]

I think I'm going to just cut my losses & give him to someone else. Everything I've got for him isn't good enough, and I cannot afford to buy bulbs & fixtures every week. Sorry. Great forum but I think Im out of my tax bracket. Thank you for the advice.