General Care Discussion :: Zoo Med basking spot lamps

[imderanged]

I have 2 issues.

All of a sudden I noticed that the themometer gage I have near the basking platform in my turtle tank was reading 100F! The gage is a few inches higher (closer to the light source) than the surface of the basking platform, so its probably not quite THAt hot, but I was worried. i turned off the light for a little while and then turned it back on and it climbed right back up to 100. It is a 100watt zoo med basking spot light. i think that tomorrow I will try and get a 75w from the store, but I don't understand why this is happening, I haven't changed anything in the set up and it didn't used to be nearly as hot!!

Also, I recently bought a desk lamp rated up to 60watt at walmart. I put a 50W Zoomed basking spot lightbulb in it. I assumed I could use that bulb in the lamp because it was only 50 watts and it fit in the socket...but the bulb burned out in a day and a half. The filament broke, you can see it hanging loose in the bulb. Should I complain to the company? Or did it break cause I'm retarded and you cant put that kind of bulb in a normal lamp? as it is right now I have a normal 60w incandecant bulb that says its "full spectrum"but its not made to throw any amout of heat. I'm using it for my frog but it only gets the tank up to 72-73 degrees. Thats not really going to work long term...

Anyway, tomorrow is Sunday and I have to work most of the day. I'm gonna try and run to the store, but I have a sneaky suspition I won't make it before they close. Anyone have any suggestions on what to to cool down my turtle tank and warm up my frog tank in the mean time???

[TurtleHelp]

Dude, your going to cook your turtle.
I say you should complain.

[Chrisbarnett]

Just move the light a little bit farther from the basking area if possible. And try to get a "Flood" bulb instead of a spot bulb, this will place the heat more evenly than in one little beam that makes the heat so intense.

And the Temp for the turtle is actually what the gauge is reading because you have to account that when the turtle is up there, the top of his shell is probably about the same height as the gauge.

Your turtle should be smart enough to self regulate its temperature by moving to a different part of the basking platform or just going into the water until you can get the bulb.

And just return the 50watt bulb to the store you bought it from if you still can, they will take it back and give you a replacement.

Sorry no suggestions for the frogs.

Hope it helps.

[imderanged]

I just want to add, I don't have the 100W on in the tank right now, his 75w night light is on. But I don't know what to do tomorrow.

*PS* I think Sylar's crazy, he was basking at the time when I noticed the high temp. He seems to like it! but it can't be good for him...