Avoid burning

[Turquoiseblue]

I have a set up that’s a little unusual. It’s 24 inches in length 6.5 inches in height and a width of about 12.5 inches. This is not the forever home by any means. Eventually I’ll get a 40 gallon low. So, I have a heating pad under the light. Today I switched my light to a 50 watt from a 25 watt. With the 25 watt my tank was only getting to about 80. Switching to a higher wattage in hopes to raise the basking spot. Now I’m worried about burning my skink. Suggestions please!

[splashy07]

You can use a slate or tile for the basking spot so he doesn't get that close to the lamp. Get a temp gun if you haven't already to monitor temps everywhere in the cage. Best 20 bucks I ever spent.

[Turquoiseblue]

Thanks, I use to use slate for my beardie.

[splashy07]

A tank that size should not be a problem to heat. You may be losing a lot of heat through the screen top. You can cover part of it with foil, but I strongly suggest a temp gun to monitor all areas of the cage to make sure there is a sufficient gradient. Cage thermometers are often inaccurate by a few degrees give or take, so it's important to have a correct reading.