Heat Lamp Advice Needed!!!

[kirekameleon]

I have a Male Calyptratus who is may be over a year but that is all I know. I had the lamp between 90-95. On advice from others I dropped it to 85-87ish. Now he wants to try to get closer to the lamp. I also have the heat lamp off to the side of his perch so it is not directly over his perching spot. Should I place directly over his perch with it directly down on him which means I need to raise it or go with a smaller bulb, or is off to the side alright as long as his perch is at 85-90 degrees. I stick a meat thermometer through the screen and get the point of the thermometer right where his highest point of his back is in relation to the lamp. Is this a correct way or are meat thermometers a bad way to measure the temp? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you. My guy is beautiful even though he has had it rough so I want to give him the best. As you can see he got his "wig split" or burned on head and back. Somebody hurt a beautiful CHAM with bad husbandry.

 

[Jimturner]

I would suggest you tip your fixture a little. Use a block of wood or something that isn't too flammable. Aim it so the light hits your cham on the side. Maybe try a search for a better explanation of "lateral basking" Cheers!

 

[kirekameleon]

Thanks for the reply!!!

I would suggest you tip your fixture a little. Use a block of wood or something that isn't too flammable. Aim it so the light hits your cham on the side. Maybe try a search for a better explanation of "lateral basking" Cheers!

Yes. I looked it up, "lateral basking" and it makes since because the sun moves throughout the day. I will try this set style and I believe it will work much better. Thank you Jimturner

kire