Trouble maintaining temps

Hello all! I'm a new bp owner. I am having a bit of trouble maintaining the proper day time temperatures in my terrarium. I know I definetly need to get a better thermometer -- the stick on kinds just don't seem that accurate. Just to give a little background on the way the tank is setup -- It is a turtle tank (longer and wider than a traditional aquarium), I would estimate about 20 gallons. I'm using reptile turf. I have an under-the-tank heating pad under one side. I currently have two lamps -- I began with one, with a halogen heat bulb. It was only heating the side to about 75-80 degrees. I added another lamp with a red incandescent bulb, and am now still only achieving temps of slightly higher than 80 degrees. Since this is pretty much only suitable for a night-time temp, I've been using the red bulb and a black bulb at night. With the second bulb, my humidity is finally going up (I'm trying to reach about 60%, I'm at 40% now). I don't know if there is a problem with the way my lamps are placed or what. They are clamping lamps which are clamped to pvc pipes placed behind the tank. They sit a few inches above the screen and are positioned towards the center of the tank. Any insight would be MUCH appreciated.

Get a digital thermometer before changing anything so you can know what your temps are really at.

When you find out what your temps really are, try replacing one of the bulbs for a CHE (ceramic heating element). They can really produce heat and no light. They fit right into a light socket. Make sure that your BP cannot touch the element as it will burn him/her.


Good luck and keep us up to date. WE have all been there at least once. Temps and humidity are the life blood of a herper!