beardie viv too cold?

[squiddo]

Hello, I am in the process of setting up a viv for a baby beardie. The basking spot is fine, 100 degrees, but the cold end doesn't get above 70. I'm using a 75 watt bulb now, if I up the wattage I'm guessing the basking spot will get too hot. Any suggestions will be appreiciated.

The viv looks bare because I'm not finished.
If I've done it right then here is a pic.

[ToxicSiren]

Is your basking bulb on a thermostat? x

[Bosscat]

Your basking spot ideally needs to be 105-115 (the dial thermometers can be out by quite a few degrees, so I'd recommend digital thermometers).... Your thermostat probe should be in the cool end a few inches up and set to about 80, and see after a few hours if the temps are ok.

[squiddo]

Originally Posted by ToxicSiren

Is your basking bulb on a thermostat? x

Yes I do have a thermostat, It's tucked in behind the robot. The highest setting on it is 92 so I cranked it up as high as it goes. The sensor is on the cool side about half way down the back wall. Thanks

[cooljules]

the bulb is a little far from that round thing directly under it, you could raise it...use some flat secure stones. or change to a angled fitting from the side.

if its going to spend about 70% or more on the basking area, you want to move the uv a bit

[squiddo]

thanks for that. I'm in the middle of a fake rock and basking structure, so I'll make sure its a bit closer to the heat.
I've heard that if the cool end is a bit lower than it should be it doesn't matter too much as the bd will go wherever he needs to. is this true?

[cooljules]

Originally Posted by squiddo

thanks for that. I'm in the middle of a fake rock and basking structure, so I'll make sure its a bit closer to the heat.
I've heard that if the cool end is a bit lower than it should be it doesn't matter too much as the bd will go wherever he needs to. is this true?

well...im not expert (only kept and bred for 10 years) but i have noooo idea what my cool ends are, never have.

of course the shorter the viv, less drop, but i kept mine for years in a 6' fish tank (not viv) and they knew how to get to the hot end fine....

[squiddo]

Originally Posted by cooljules

well...im not expert (only kept and bred for 10 years) but i have noooo idea what my cool ends are, never have.

of course the shorter the viv, less drop, but i kept mine for years in a 6' fish tank (not viv) and they knew how to get to the hot end fine....

thanks for your help, I can stop fretting now and get on with it.
cheers

[cooljules]

Originally Posted by squiddo

thanks for your help, I can stop fretting now and get on with it.
cheers

no probs, just make sure you get a good hot basking area.

[Pendragon]

Can I make a couple of suggestions? Have the probe for your stat in the cool side and bring it down the back wall to within an inch of the substrait. put a reflector on your uv and allow your beardie to get within a couple of inches of it if he wants. place something in the viv for him to get some shade, but not a hide. he still needs to get reflected uv.

Here's a pic of the left side of mine, you can see the probe coming down the back wall.




Jay