Should I set up 2 basking spots?

[lysinlight87]

Hi,

I put Neelix, my veiled, in a large screened cage last night- with plastic sheets covering 3 sides. Since then, I've been unable to get his basking spot above 82F, so I'm off out later to get a higher wattage bulb.

I'm also wondering if I should get him a second basking lamp to put on the opposite end of the hot side of his cage. I think, overall, the temps are a bit too low for him at the moment.

Would this be a good move? The cage is 120cm tall, so there will be a temp gradient in the cage.

 

[nightanole]

For my setup that the top is 60cm x 60cm, i have a small 40 watt on one corner shining on the leaves, a uv florescent going caddy corner, and then his main 120watt basking spot with just sticks under it on the other corner. the 40 watt in his sleeping area gets him going in the morning, and doesnt get above 85f. The real basking spot is always in the 90's.

 

[reptilover]

Hi,

I put Neelix, my veiled, in a large screened cage last night- with plastic sheets covering 3 sides. Since then, I've been unable to get his basking spot above 82F, so I'm off out later to get a higher wattage bulb.

I'm also wondering if I should get him a second basking lamp to put on the opposite end of the hot side of his cage. I think, overall, the temps are a bit too low for him at the moment.

Would this be a good move? The cage is 120cm tall, so there will be a temp gradient in the cage.

It's usually recommended that u don't. He will know where to find heat, just put a higher wattage bulb and he should fine. I'd recommend 2 basking lights if ur cage is over 4' wide (120cm wide)

 

[lysinlight87]

ok, thanks

 

[pssh]

You can if you want. Offer one lower temp spot and one that reaches a higher temp. It will help keep the temperature in the top section in the enclosure warmer too.

 

[lysinlight87]

Will they go on hunger strike if they're too cold? He's hasn't eaten the past 2 days. I've just managed to put in a bulb that actually works and he's soaking it up.

 

[reptilover]

Will they go on hunger strike if they're too cold? He's hasn't eaten the past 2 days. I've just managed to put in a bulb that actually works and he's soaking it up.

That's very possible. They need heat to digest there food so they may not feel hungry if cold

 

[lysinlight87]

ah ok, he's due to shed too so that might be part of it. The temp jumped up to 94 with the new bulb & then fell to 86- confused! Maybe my thermometer is busted.

 

[reptilover]

ah ok, he's due to shed too so that might be part of it. The temp jumped up to 94 with the new bulb & then fell to 86- confused! Maybe my thermometer is busted.

What kind of thermometer are u using? use two. See if they match in the same spot. If they don't match bring a third and see if it matches one of the two.