Proper basking temp?

GLEN · Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 4:01 pm Post subject: Proper basking temp?

I have two columbians and I need to do this right, at this time I have a forty gallon breeder with just one heat lamp, a 75 watt bulb. I want to set up the proper temps for my little guys, can someone take the time and tell me what wattage UVB bulb I need for a basking spot? Also to take temperatures, is laying a thermometer on the ground underneath the spot adequate? I don't have any of the fancy stuff yet

thanks lots

Rick · Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 4:35 pm Post subject:

Giving you the correct wattages will not work because it varies based on your current house temps and the outside temps, the size of the enclosure, the amount of substrate, etc.

The UVB may or may not put off heat depending on the type you get.

To test the temp a tempgun type gauge works best, but if you are going to use a reptile thermometer you should check the ambient temps on both the hot side and the cool side. Also check the basking spot temp at the level of where the basking tegus back will be.

There are some average basking temps in the caresheets on the "Helpful Info" page.

I hope this was of some assistance.

Rick
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Sisco Reptiles - Proud Breeder of the Tamest & Most Social Tegus. See www.SiscoReptiles.com

Junior · Posted: Tue May 17, 2005 1:56 pm Post subject:

Ricks right, You live in Cleveland today the 17th of May it was 62degrees but 52% humidity. That means I would probably give you some bad info. It was 58 degrees w/ 20% humidity today in "lil" Rhode. Also be careful where you put the temperature gauge you pick. Tegus are real picky about whats put inside their enclosure I had to take my temp reader out because she kept going at it because she didn't know what it was. A good way to tell if they are getting ample humidity is the sheddings. When the humidity is good enough they seem to shed allot easier.