Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 30gal aquarium set up awaiting my BD Thurs. and I set the light & hood, etc up today. I'm using a Powersun UV Mercury Vapor Light (100w). I am only seeing my basking side getting upto around 93 degrees and the other end is hovering at 75. (Tank dimensions are 12"d x 36"L x 17"H) The rock I put in is with-in 12" of the light source. Do I need another light or heat source? The UV bulb is in a 10" dome.

Do I need to build up the basking side so it is closer to the bulb?

Thanks!

-Bonnie

OH, the BD I am awaiting on is supposedly around 12"long if that helps.

What are you using to measure the temps? They may not be accurate if you are using a stick-on thermometer or a dial thermometer (both can be off by as much as 20* F!!!). Use either a tempgun ($25 at www.tempgun.com) or a digital thermometer with a probe (prices vary, try walmart's garden section). Both are digital and very accurate. I especially like the tempgun because you can use it to monitor several cages, just point and click! If your are using a stick-on or a dial, get either a tempgun or digital thermometer w/ probe ASAP!!!
-Drew
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Owned by:
1.2 bearded dragons - Legolas, Rosy, Miss Scarlet
0.1 Indonesian blue tongue skink - Sarah
1.0 reverse oketee corn snake - Bernard
1.0 ball python - Patrick
2.0 guinea pigs (I know, they're not herps!) - Punky, Jeepers