I'd have thought you could get a hotspot of 85-90F (or more) about 24 inches below a 60w ceramic without too much problem. Can't say for sure - that's just based on using ceramics in 2ft high vivs. Obviously, due to the size of this viv, a more powerful one would be better.

I'm assuming the basking spot will be a log/raised area of some sort? Wherever it is make sure the probe isn't in a position where the iggys body could shield it - if his body gets between the probe and the heater the stat won't be able to control the heat and the temp will rise.
(Wouldn't be much of a problem at this time of year with a 60w, but something to bear in mind in warmer weather/with higher wattages.

Don't have it too close to the ceramic though as the stat may cut in before the required temp is reached, even if it's turned up to maximum.

You basically need the probe to be as low as possible, without the possibility of it being covered in any way.

Thanks alot for that

I spoke to the shop today and it'll be in on Wednesday so I will expirement then. The ceramic is near enough right above the basking spot which it about 12" down from the top of the Viv so it should be hot enough I hope. I will put a little 40w light bulb in there too on a timer so that will help spread the heat around the viv during the day I hope. The ceramic will be fine at night.

Placing the probe in a decent spot won't be easy though. I'd like it just out of sight but in direct sight of the ceramic if possible and where the Iggy can't block it.

I've always liked a challenge lol.

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The only way I can think of to do that is to run the probe cable across the ceiling of the viv and have it hanging about 6 inches below the ceramic, with the probe cable secured to the edge of the ceramic guard with a couple of cable ties. Then hang one of those exo-terra plants from the guard so that it hides the probe.

I don't actually have a guard on my bulbs. He can't reach them and has never touched them. I'm going to re-design the viv this weekend so if I can't sort out something suitable by then I might look into your idea.

The only problem is he wants to climb everything so if I hang plants from there he will climb them lol

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It's definitely a good idea to have guards, even if he can't get near them. With the ceramic it'd be for your safety as much as his - even low power ones will give you a nasty burn instantly.

You could make you own guards out of 6mm galvanised mesh that you can get from garden centres - about £4 a sheet, and you can get 3 small or 2 large guards per sheet.
It's easy stuff to cut and bend - just make a box, fix it together with cable ties and screw it to the ceiling. They surprisingly rigid when screwed in place.
And you can hang plants off them :wink:

This one is made out of the same stuff:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BULB-GUARD-rep...ayphotohosting

Thank for that Mark, and thank you very much for all your help, I really appreciate it mate


Just incase you were wondering, I bought a 100w ceramic because the 60 wasn't powerful enough, and the 100w isn't powerful enough to provide heat on its own without having a lightbulb on, and I don't want a lightbulb on because that moves the basking spot. I'm going to get myself another ceramic, I might just go for a 250w to make sure lol.

Thanks mate

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