Yet another heat post

My bp was doing fine at home, but I've moved to uni and he's struggling. I think it's likely because my room here is much colder- at home I always had a radiator/the fire on, but here my housemates (understandably) don't want the heating on that often. One of my windows is also pretty drafty- it doesn't shut properly, and hopefully a repairman will be able to help with that soon.

I'm getting 86F in the hot spot and 82 in his colder end. I use a red heat bulb, encased in a cage so my bp can't burn himself (really sorry, I don't know much more information than that), and a 7W heat mat attached to the outside of the glass. The bulb is controlled by a thermostat but it doesn't seem to be working- I've got it set to about 91F (the highest it goes) and yet the viv never reaches that. I'm taking temps with a temperature gun that seems to be fairly accurate.

The vivarium is wood (my boyfriend thinks it's likely plywood) with a glass front. I'm not sure if UHT would work effectively considering the bottom is wooden.

What do I do???? I moved in two weeks ago and in that time he's fed once and completed a shed, but I'm pretty sure the temps are affecting him- he never seems to leave his hide anymore, whereas he used to be fairly active.

Help is really appreciated,
Jess xx

Those temperatures are not bad but as the weather cools they will probably get worse.
Higher watage bulb or CHE should raise your temps

If its a wooden viv, then a radiant heat panel would work.

I use a wooden viv, with a Ceramic Heat Emitter. Like Pit said get a higher wattage bulb.

There is no need for a heat mat with a wooden viv.

My room is cold, I measure temps via.. Temp Gun and Digital Thermometer..

I get the hot spot so that it is 90F on my thermometer.. which usually means its about 91/92 on my temp gun.

I struggled when first setting up my wooden viv, as it was hard to maintain temps.. just keep trying and adjust things till you have it how you need it.

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it. Turns out his bulb is 60W, so I've ordered a 100W CHE. I'll keep you updated!