Too Much Heat?

[jbnery6465]

I'm using a 50watt flood which was producing a basking surface temp between 112*-115*. But the last several weeks the temp dropped and is now constantly around 106*. Temp in the room has not changed at all.

I had a 40watt 'halogen' flood before which got me at least 120*, so now I'm thinking of going to a 35watt halogen flood (which I know would get me at least 115*). Are there any pros and cons of having a surface temp that is too hot? and what is considered too hot?

(I use a digital temp gun to measure my temps)

Thanks

[Dadx2mj]

If the basking spot gets too hot the dragon will typically just avoid it. I fell many but not all dragons like higher temps. Mine seem to do best when the temp is between 120º and 128º, they start to avoid the basking area when the temps get above 130º.

The higher temps usually make them more active because they dont need to spend as long to meet their basking goals and typically increases their appetite.

[jbnery6465]

Okay that's good to know. It makes sense too because recently my dragon's appetite hasn't been as great as before when his temps were up. good thing for halogens though, lower wattage but higher heat results (which I think is worth spending an extra buck or two). I'll change out the bulb today and keep this post updated as to the results of his appetite. Hopefully this will serve as a testimony for those having any type of heating or appetite issue.

[zebrajanie]

You all should see me with my new toy, the GUN !  I was poking it here, there measure, over there, measure.  I love it !  Orion's basking is just a tad over 100*, while Gemini's is around 117*  Orion likes it cooler, Gemini warmer.  Who am I to say ?  Either way, day is Happy !  I got beardie Smiles !
Janie.

[jbnery6465]

I was the exact same way when I got my temp gun!
But just a side note, you should try and provide a good basking temp (115*-120*F) regardless if the beardie likes it cool or hot. They need the proper heat source to regulate their bodily functions (especially digestion). If they get too hot or like it cooler, they would probably end up on the cool side of the tank (which should be about 80*-85*F). So you might want to try and bump up Orion's basking tmp a little.

[zebrajanie]

I just remeasured.  Orions' is about 117* too.  Just took things a bit longer to warm up.  We added another brick to the basking pile, so it wasn't as warm as Gemini's which didn't have one added.
Janie.

[breadie08]

hey, im new at this..
my breadie is really werid because banana likes it around 104 F
is that normal?
but her eating habits have not changed
she is not cold or hot, i guess just the way she likes it!

please let me know if normal or werid??

thanks

[beardielover17]

if your dragon isnt an adult i would try to bump the temps to atleast 110...as they get older, temps can go as low as 105 but dont have to...try to offer a gradient of temps to choose to bask in...also how are you measuring your temps?

[jbnery6465]

hey, im new at this..
my breadie is really werid because banana likes it around 104 F
is that normal?
but her eating habits have not changed
she is not cold or hot, i guess just the way she likes it!

please let me know if normal or werid??

thanks

There a great Caresheet here: http://bearded-dragons.com/boards/index.php/topic,8.0.html
Check it out if you haven't already. Covers everything from Housing to Food to General Care.

Could you give us a detailed description of your setup and your dragon? Knowing some of this info would ensure that you are providing the best you can for you dragon so that you guys can enjoy each other's company for many years come! And Welcome...