Lowering Cage Temps

[dragonmetalhead]

So after fixing up Kodo's tank at the museum so he can't escape I have found that it's now retaining a bit too much heat. The ambient temp is about 100 and the vet says that's too high; before we fixed it, the ambient temp was between 85 and 90. What's the most efficient way to lower the temp? Kodo is in a custom build tank that is roughly 4 ft long x 2 feet wide x 2.5 feet tall and I use a 100 watt Zoo Med Powersun bulb, a 150 watt infra red heat bulb that is never turned off (can't remember teh bran off the top of my head, but I think it's Exoterra), and a 100 watt Zoo Med basking bulb. SHold I just keep the basking bulb off? Only use the Zoo med bulbs during the day and the infra red only at night?

 

[kellen.watkins]

I would try using the night bulb only at night, I'm a firm believer in night bulbs over undertank heaters all my lights are on timers as soon as the daytime lights cut out the night lights come on, adding more ventalation will help cut down that ambient temp as well

 

[james.w]

I would say only use the PowerSun. Unless the night temps drop below 60-65 you don't need night heat.

 

[Jason]

I agree with James.w, that seems like alot of heat producing bulbs for such a small enclosure. at the very least i would cut out the red bulb. the "infared" bulbs are useless anyway. they produce visible light and could cause stress to your tegu while he's trying to sleep. If a night time heat source is even needed; i would use a CHE (ceramic heat emitter) they produce no light, only heat, and screw in to a standard light socket.

 

[dragonmetalhead]

Thank you all for the advice. The reason I prefer the infra red bulbs is because it is easier to tell when they short out. Kodo seems to sleep fine with the red light on since he beds down buried beneath his water dish most of the time.

 

[james.w]

But if it is keeping it too warm, it is not healthy for him. His health should come first.

 

[dragonmetalhead]

I thought he was referring to the illumination keeping him up, not the heat. I apologize for not making that clear. Kodo went to the vet for a checkup yesterday and got a clean bill of health.