Hello all, my name is Taylor and I live in Southern California. I have an extreme giant from Varnyard named Betelgeuse, that I got back in August of 2012. He hibernated from about late october to mid march. I have him in a 40 gallon breeder with orchid bark, proper water bowl, some reptile safe plants as decoration, and a couple cinder blocks on the hot side at different heights to allow for a proper thermal gradient, also I am using a 160 watt powersun. My problem is that I am having a hard time getting the basking temperatures on the highest level of cinder block up past 95 degrees. The bottom of the dome is exactly 11 inches away from the top cinder block and the light sits inside the dome about an inch and a half, so my light is about 12.5 inches away from the top cinder block. i would like to reach basking temperatures upwards of 115-120 for the highest level but I just dont know how to do it? Is is safe to drop the zoo med powersun 160 watt below 12 inches? should I put a black slate rock on top so it absorbs more heat?
I will try and attach photos so you all can get a more comprehensive idea. Thank you for your help everyone
I will try and attach photos so you all can get a more comprehensive idea. Thank you for your help everyone