BLUE TONGUE SKINKS

So I’m in the process of getting an enclosure set up for my new baby and was curious as to how you guys regulate how hot your basking spot gets. Atlas is going to be in a 40 gallon breeder with a screen top and I have a CHE, but was wondering if I should hook it up to a thermostat so I don’t risk burns? If so, where should I put the thermostat probe? I have a separate lamp for lighting, but figured a CHE would be my best bet since winters here get cold and it wouldn’t produce any light at night. I have thermometers and a temp gun already since I keep snakes otherwise, but it’s been a long while since I’ve had a lizard.

I wouldn't recommend a CHE. That bulb will dry up what little humidity, you'll be able to produce in the Northeast winter. Your enclosure will have too low of humidity for a Halmahera skink to live in. I live in Philadelphia and I've personally never used any supplementary night heat. On the coldest of nights, my skinks will experience temperatures as low as 62°. If you can, move it to a warmer room where temperatures will be at least in the mid 60's or run a space heater.

mb606587 wrote:I wouldn't recommend a CHE. That bulb will dry up what little humidity, you'll be able to produce in the Northeast winter. Your enclosure will have too low of humidity for a Halmahera skink to live in. I live in Philadelphia and I've personally never used any supplementary night heat. On the coldest of nights, my skinks will experience temperatures as low as 62°. If you can, move it to a warmer room where temperatures will be at least in the mid 60's or run a space heater.

Should I switch it out for the usual basking bulb then? Even with that, should I try to regulate the basking temp in any way or just figure it out via the distance of the lamp?

Either trial and error or pick up a dimmer switch for about $15. Your lamp cord will plug into it and you can dim your bulb and reduce its heat output if too hot.