Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I could use some help heating a 50 Gallon Tank, I use Paper towels for the substrate, I have a large UTH on 1/3 of the tank, for the hot side, and nothing on the cool side.

My humid hide is in the middle, a hut on the hot side and a multi level rock decoration on the cool side (with the water bowl).

I am currently using a spot light, even though many people here have said not to use them, but it's the only way I can get the temp above 80. i have a stick on thermometer on the glass one high and one close to the ground. I have even used a probe type thermometer and laid the probe on the ground in different spots.

80-82 on the warm side and 77-78 on the cool side.

Is this good enough, should I stop using the light?

if these temps are not warm enough how do I get it warmer with out using a spot light?

Thanks

Your UTH should be heating properly without the aid of a light (depending on the ambient temperature of your house). All of my UTH's run around 115F without regulation (I use thermostats to regulate them.)

Your temperatures should be in the mid 90s on the hot side.

How hot does the UTH physically feel to you if you put your hand on the surface right above it?