Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a question which may seem pretty easy to answer. Velcro, our 6 month old beardie loves basking on a fake log structure that I bought at a local pet store. It is made of a resin/rubber substance. Anyway, the top of the log is within about 7 inches from his heat lamp and the top of the log gets really really hot. I worry about him burning his belly. I have tried to move the log and put a natural log in its place, but he will always end up at the top of the fake one, even if it is the cool side. I want to make sure that he gets his basking time. Do any of you have a suggestion? I thought about cutting the top of the log off so that he couldn't get that high. I would hate to get rid of it, because it cost nearly $30.00

I would appreciate advice. Maybe I am worrying for nothing.

Could you:
*Put some type of cloth over the top as a buffer to the heat absorption? An old sock?

*Reposition the light so it is further away? If the log is at an angle, move the light so it hits the middle of the log, instead of top, which would be further away.
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TheClassyLizard

If the log is made from resin or plastic, I would be worried it could melt. I would suggest getting rid of it altogether, and putting a natural log or rock for his basking spot instead. You could always use the fake log for something else later.

Just measure the surface temperature of the log with a digital thermometer. Adjust lights and distance so that the surface temp is no higher than 110-115 degrees. If the surface temp stays below 115 you don't need to worry about it burning them.

thanks for all of the good advice...i will check it out tonight

>>no one has asked about the actual temperature.
Do you have a thermometer to check the temperature on the branch?
"really hot" may not be that bad.
Now, if you get a thermometer and find out the basking spot is getting over about 108 degrees just change the basking bulb.
if you are using a 100 watt bulb try a 75 watt bulb.
if you don't want to try that then just move the basking light a little farther away.
I wouldn't get rid of the branch, especially if the beardie likes it.
Just do a few adjustments until you get things right.
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Remember, my posts are MY opinion only.
Jimmy (draybar)