Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Any suggestions on the appropriate wattage for a tank that is about 1.5 - 2.5 feet high? Right now I have 2 60 watt bulbs running on top but it doesn't seem quite warm enough. I don't want to cook my tegu though.

The cage is roughly about 6 feet long and 2 feet wide and about 1.5-2.5 feet high. (I should probably get an exact measurement of the dimensions.. some day.) Plenty of space, just not very high in height which is why my lamps (I'm running 2 clamps with the 60 watts and one long UVB light bulb) are right on top of the tank - not higher than 2.5 feet from where my tegu basks at. With how close the bulbs are, I want to be careful not to cook him. Would a 75 watt be any better? Or should I go all the way up to 100?
Thanks for any tips.

Hey without a really good digital thermometer or better yet a temp gun its hard to say what your temps are doing. for a tank that size the lights you have should be good though. I bought a digital thermometer with a probe and a temp gun from Pro exotics they cost me like 45.00 with shipping. That was the best investment I ever made. I wish I had done that sooner rather than look at all the money I spent on different bulbs and cheap stick on thermometers. I could have saved myself a fourtune in light bulbs that now collect dust unless I get more critters and need them. Before buying all kinds of lights I would invest in a temp gun at least to see exactly what your temps are doing. Before going to a bigger bulb try placing some stones under the basking spot. Like a step stone or patio stone from home depot they are a couple of bucks. but maybe by raising your basking spot a few inches you could potentially increase the basking spot temp by 10 degrees or more. that way if your cool side is good then you can still increase your bask spot temps. Good luck and sorry that is so long but I hope it helps.
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Beau W.

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