Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hey all you collared lovers its been too long, i have a quick question. im using a 150 watt heat lamp on a 30 gallon long tank, and im guessing without confirming from past temps that the hot side is 115 to 120, but they seem to be basking in the middle of the tamk? any thoughts on this? is it too hot should i move the basking site to somewhere cooler? current tank temp is about 85 degrees. let me know what you guys think, thanks!!!!
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Guy LoPresti
3.2 collared lizards (Lizzy,Stevie 2,Ike,Rocky clarice)
1.1 firebelly toads

Well, first off welcome back and is the basking sight and the light located on one end of the tank?? If it is and they are basking the center part of the tank then it is more than likely too hot for them.

What type of basking material do they bask on??

sand and rocks, i put alot of rocks under the sand too, yes the basking light is in one corner of the tank.
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Guy LoPresti
3.2 collared lizards (Lizzy,Stevie 2,Ike,Rocky clarice)
1.1 firebelly toads

Hrm, the only thing I can think of is that it is too hot, have you tested the basking area with a temp gun?

That is probably to much wattage for that size tank. I'm using 60 to 75 watt lights for heat in 40 to 60 gallon tanks.

>>That is probably to much wattage for that size tank. I'm using 60 to 75 watt lights for heat in 40 to 60 gallon tanks.

i havent recently checked it but im sure its around 115 120. i was thinking that too, i should downgrade the heat lamp, this one im using was for my larger tank, but that tank cracked, so there in the smaller one now. ill have to get a less powerful bulb.
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Guy LoPresti
3.2 collared lizards (Lizzy,Stevie 2,Ike,Rocky clarice)
1.1 firebelly toads