Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Im using a Powersun 100watt Uv bulb as the primary basking light for my cyclura hatchlings. The recommended minimum distance from bulb to animal noted on the packaging is 12 inches, however, at 12 inches the basking spot is hovering at only 95-98 degrees. Because of this, I have moved the light to about 9-10 inches away from the basking spot. The temp is now hovering around 100 degrees. My question is: Have any of you found that the minimum distance noted on the packaging is not a suitable distance for ideal basking temps? My primary concern is burning the animals. Also note that I am measuring the temp with a new T-Rex 'stick on glass' thermometer. Any thoughts, suggestions, comments? Again, I dont want to burn the poor fellas - thus, I pose my question.

Thanks,
Casey Edwards

I'd suggest that you get a temp gun and recheck those temps. "Stick on" thermometers are not that accurate and a temp gun is a bargain at $25. I use 100 watt PowerSuns on my Uromastyx and Desert Iguanas and get basking temps of 120 degrees at about 10 inches. The babies are certainly worth the small investment. Good luck!

The recommended 12 inches is probably posted to limit liability. Since you probably do not want to pay $135+ for a UVB meter, check out the yahoo UVB meter group, I believe they have a database with records for UVB of the Powersun 100 watts. If I remember correctly they do not put out a very significant amount of UVB, even brand new. In the wild, recently measured 360 mwcmsq for UVB on a clear afternoon.

As far as your igs getting burned, they are normally smart enough to get out of the heat if it gets too hot from a light --just make sure there is a cool area for them to go to. I have had babies get burned by lodging up on top of a ballast for a florescent light, but never while underneath a light. Recently measured rock temps of 120 degrees and soil as hot as 130 degrees in the Dominican Republic. When it's that hot the whiptails and the curly tail lizards are still out, but the cyclura are primarily in the shade. 9-10" -- Should be no worries. Good Luck