You need the basking spot itself at that temperature, the ambient temperature should be cooler than that.

 

As above allthough I prefer a 110-115f basking spot.

 

So my temperature to high I am buying infrared thermometer to day

 

Is it best to use day light basking bulbs or intense basking bulbs

 

Dont buy "intense" bulbs, they can cause burns.

You dont want any bulb that focuses light to a point, get either halogen spot bulbs or "daylight" basking bulbs that are "flood" (work better with a reflector/dome).

As mentioned above, basking temps are not ambient temps, they are surface temps. The surface temperature of most materials (particularly when under a light/heat source) with be higher than the ambient temp, so a 110F air temp (ambient temp) is likely to have surface temps under that light 120 to 125F.

Infrared themometer gun is SO useful for basking spots, and can be bought for £10 on places like ebay or amazon very easily (you dont need a cutting edge high tech one)

 

Are you using a stat?

That is far too hot for an ambient. No wonder the animal is stressed.

 

Agreed. 110-115 for the basking surface temperature but the ambient temperature in the viv should be no where near that high. Perhaps I misunderstood the post? an over all 110f would be very dangerous for the lizard, you are looking for the ambient temp in the cool end of the viv to be about 80f

 

Please read, it will explain about temps and which ones you need to be monitoring and controlling:

http://www.reptileforums.co.uk/forums/lizards/1105953-basic-guide-keeping-bearded-dragon.html

 

I have changed the the basking lamp from a 100w bulb to a 75w this has changed the temperature to 103 air temperature in th hot end and 85-87 cool end. I have realised the tank light system is the wrong end of the tank meaning the air vents at the hot end are at the bottom of the tank and in the cool end are at the top. Would this contribute to the high temperature.

 

Not necessarily. But you haven't yet answered the question about using a thermostat.

 

No there is currently no thermostat stat. So am going to buy one this week as the advice every one has offered point to incorrect set up.

 

I am currently looking at a micro climate B2 digital dimming thermostat would this resolve my issue

 

Yes, definitely- that's exactly what you need.

 

Thank you for info. Is there any thing else I can do to to make a happy dragon. I have upgraded her uv system to an Acadia d3 flood system added slate for basking area plus variety of bugs and veg if she will eat and vitamin powder.she does not seem to drink from water bowl so I bath her daily is this enough to hydrate her

 

You shouldn't bath a beardie unless it's dehydrated, they aren't semi aquatic and they don't bathe in the wild.

 

As she won't drink thought this would help as read on web site it helps. She only in there a s long as she wants.

 

Not really- they can't absorb water through their skin. The best way is to drip water onto their nose, & offer moist veg. But once you get the temps right, she might learn to drink from a dish. Bathing only really helps dehydrated beardies, as it can encourage them to drink the water while bathing.

 

Theres a lot of myths about beardies soaking in water through their vent, theres no truth to it at all. It would be like saying you suck water in through your arse when you have a bath. They also dont absorb water through their skin, a bath will give them a soak, its no more than if you soaked dry skin in a warm bath.

As already stated, bathing isnt actually something thats good for them, it can in fact cause a lot of stress and the only way it actually rehydrates them is if they drink from the water.

Water on the snout if needed, properly gutloaded insects, occational mistings and fresh veg is the way to go.

 

Exactly this.

 

Just a quick update the thermostat I ordered finally turned up today I purchased a micro climate B1 dimming thermostat stat. I am still waiting on delivery of a infrared thermometer.

 

Can anyone recommend a ambient air temperature to aim for in the basking side of the tank as I am still with out the infrared thermometer gun.

 

Happy lizard not sure it's hot enough thou

 

So I have my infrared thermometer and my current heat range 74.4 cool end 92 hot end and basking spot 103.2. I am trying to increase the basking spot temperature is making the basking spot higher my main option

 

Yes, unless you can lower the lamp.

 

Would a reflector shield help with increasing basking temperature. Is there any advice on what wattage basking bulb to use as I currently have a 75w basking bulb on a thermostat but the light is dimmed really low is this an issue.

 

There is 7.5 inches from the bottom of the bulb to her basking rock. I have adjusted her rock slightly so now the basking temperature is 108.3 and cool end is 74.5 I am now using a Acadia 50w basking lamp

 

I wouldnt think that was enough space

Having the basking bulb 7.5 inches from basking surface to bulb puts the animal within 5 inches if not less, even with a guard on the bulb i would be concerned that you'd risk burns with some bulbs doing that.


I would of said you need to up the bulb wattage rather than reduce the distance that much, i use 75w arcadia halogens and have 10 inches even with the closest one, 12 to 13 inches on the other three.

 

Mine wouldnt go anywhere near his basking spot, which was slate/stone. I moved it to the cool end and added a variety of different logs at varying heights for him to bask on instead and he is much happier. I think he was burning his belly. Maybe he is a she ?

Variety is the key, and there is more than one way that works !

Good luck !

 

If I was to change the wattage of my basking bulb it would affect the temperature in my hot and cool end they are currently steady at 90f and 77f with a basking spot of 100f -108f think this fluctuation is down to the heat change in my house (heating). When I had a 75w basking bulb in it was off/ very dim all the time so I tried a lower wattage bulb hoping to get a steady basking light.

 

Forgot to add my my vivarium is 48x18x18

 

I am currently using a 5x2x2, i used to use par 38 halogens but could only get them in 75 watt which is too much, and they were constantly being dimmed. I mount 2 bulbs about 6" apart so i can create a larger basking site. I now use 2 x 50 watt solar floods and they are perfect.

It is a case of trial and error, with different wattage bulbs and different height basking spots. Obviously it is better if you can get the viv setup before housing any animals in it

 

I think my temperature is Good just concerned on basking temperature