Struggling to reach adequate basking temperatures in 8x2x2 enclosure for my Rosenbergi

[Tobe404]

Hello everyone.

Over the last couple of days, I've been finishing off and then transferring my Rosenbergi to his new enclosure.

He's probably around 3 feet total length. 10 months old.

Temperatures were fine in his old enclosure (90cmx60cmx45cm. LxDxH.) Using a 100w R80 Globe from Bunnings. Basking rock was usually 45c-60c. Depending on ambient temperatures.

Yes, i know. Too small from the get-go. However, i always intended to rectify the issue and finally have.

The problem now is that I'm struggling to maintain adequate temperatures. I've tried globes from 60w and the way up to 120w and nothing seems to cut it.

The hottest I can get the basking rock at the moment is around 35-40c. around 30cm directly below the basking light with a 100w globe. I tried a 120w globe but that put out less heat then the 100w. Go figure. His body temperature is around 34c-37c most of the time. He does run around. Not just sitting basking all day.

I did some digging in older threads and found that some people recommend GU10 Halogens as they use less power but put out more heat than traditional E27 globes.

I have ordered two E27 to GU10 adapters and 2 50w GU10 Halogens and a 35w. If they don't end up being enough, I'm really at a loss as to how to intensify the basking area.

New enclosure is 8x2x2 LxDxH. Two E27 250w Ceramic Fixtures 100w and 60w Globes currently. One T5 Reflector with a 4ft T5 12%UVB Tube. Coir peat as substrate.
Basking Rock. Some Tiles and Bricks. Hedge Tiles along the back. He actually loves climbing them. I'll put up some pictures tomorrow.

Eventually he will end up going outside in a tank / pit / aviary.

I guess I'm just wondering how other people solved a similar situation. Thanks.

PS: Building a tile stack has crossed my mind.

 

[dragonlover1]

have you tried the 150W spotlight ? 60W won't help you,it's too small. Maybe 2 x 100W would be better.
GU10 50W are good, I use 1 for one of my pygmy beardies.
I have found a halogen globe that screws into E27 fitting and put it in my Lacie hatchies tank 75W in 2x2x2 gets me 42C on the basking spot, they also come in 100W these little beauties also add 5% UV .
Rock stacks are good too, I have them in my Gillens and my Ocreatus

 

[Tobe404]

Addd some more large rocks today and changed the 60w globe to a 100w.

Seems to have helped temps a lot. Rocks from left to right are around 35-50c.

I didn't change the 60w to the 100w globe until around 2 today though.

Will see if temps rise even more tomorrow having both globes being 100w for the full 12-hour cycle. 7am - 7pm.

He did his business and also ate today for the first time since moving him into the new enclosure.
Wasn't much. Bit of beef and some superworms. But it's a start.

Pictures of enclosure in 3 parts... As you can imagine it's hard to get an all-in-one shot of a 2.4m long enclosure.

Left to right:

PS: I haven't added coir peat to the entire enclosure yet as I'm still waiting for it to dry out enough.

It's still producing condensation. As you can see in the first photo.

Also plan to get him a bigger water bowl or tray soon so he can actually swim in it if he chooses to.

 

[dragonlover1]

Talk to Richard Biffin on fakebook, he lives in Adelaide Hills and keeps Heaths and Lacies. He is quite knowledgeable .
Lace Monitor Group

 

[Tobe404]

I might just see how he goes. At least he's settling in now and has eaten something. Is also very active.

I've had him since just over two months old. Has always been a good feeder.

Worst comes to worst I'll message the breeder I got him off for some advice.

Going back through our messages he hatched his own SA Rosenbergi and some WA ones with Richard.





Just a quick update.

He ate some more Superworms today and a Hopper Rat.

Finally settled in it seems so I think we're good.

Cheers.