Lighting Issue, Worried for Tort.

We have an 100-watt MVB and an 100-watt ceramic heat emitter on one fixture. It is about 13'' off the ground, but the fixture is deep and could add more inches to that. I am using this temp gun:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00837ZGRY/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20
Anyway, it (the temp gun) says its only 79 degrees Fahrenheit directly below the fixture which is a big problem! Both bulbs are on and I hold the temp gun 14 inches away from the ground like it says to but I just don't know what to do! How should I raise the temperature! Or is my temp gun faulty? it is a new fixture and bulbs and I'm worried about my tortoise (She's an adult Russian)!

I would find something else to try and read the temp so you know if the gun is correct. That seems low for what you have hanging. I would also when you can, buy another single bulb fixture and use just one side in the one you have and the new fixture for the other Che/bulb. Those double fixtures are not good.

Agree with @wellington - just like back in basic chemistry labs...always calibrate your gauges. You must have another household thermostat or thermometer that you can triple check. Those readings do seem low.

Maro2Bear said:

Agree with @wellington - just like back in basic chemistry labs...always calibrate your gauges. You must have another household thermostat or thermometer that you can triple check. Those readings do seem low.

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wellington said:

I would find something else to try and read the temp so you know if the gun is correct. That seems low for what you have hanging. I would also when you can, buy another single bulb fixture and use just one side in the one you have and the new fixture for the other Che/bulb. Those double fixtures are not good.

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The lights are at 87 degrees Fahrenheit now. I got rid of my old single fixture, it was really cheap and it broke. I don't doubt you but I'm just wondering what is bad about the double fixture. Is there a thermostat or something you guys recommend?

Whats the temperature everywhere else? CHE are more effective in an enclosed area where they can raise the overall temp and may not work well in a direct manner. Even if the CHE is projecting the heat to the substrate, it's possible that they're heating 2 adjacent spots that don't have much overlap.

The double fixture just makes it hard to adjust temp with height because your moving two instead of just one. Also the domes are too deep and narrow around. The silver style single are better too use and cheaper. Usually sold as brooder light fixtures. 10-12 bucks at places like Walmart and Home Depot.

wellington said:

The double fixture just makes it hard to adjust temp with height because your moving two instead of just one. Also the domes are too deep and narrow around. The silver style single are better too use and cheaper. Usually sold as brooder light fixtures. 10-12 bucks at places like Walmart and Home Depot.

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Ah, that makes sense! I will try to pick some up soon! Thanks -Lark

jaizei said:

Whats the temperature everywhere else? CHE are more effective in an enclosed area where they can raise the overall temp and may not work well in a direct manner. Even if the CHE is projecting the heat to the substrate, it's possible that they're heating 2 adjacent spots that don't have much overlap.

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(This is all in Fahrenheit)
87-88 degrees directly under the fixture.
76-79 degrees around the fixture but not under.
70-71 degrees somewhat near the end.
62-66 almost at the end.
60-62 at the end.

Lark_Tortoise said:

(This is all in Fahrenheit)
87-88 degrees directly under the fixture.
76-79 degrees around the fixture but not under.
70-71 degrees somewhat near the end.
62-66 almost at the end.
60-62 at the end.

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Taking that into account, you probably need to add more heating sources. If the fixture is at 13" now, it cant really go lower. The bulbs only raise the temperature relative to the ambient.

jaizei said:

Taking that into account, you probably need to add more heating sources. If the fixture is at 13" now, it cant really go lower. The bulbs only raise the temperature relative to the ambient.

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Thanks! I think I will get another heat source. Can it be a lower watt MVB or something?
What do you recommend?

I think your problem is you have an open top and all the heat is escaping into the room.