Basking spot height

[Myidcw]

Hi

The area I set up for my 2 week old sully for basking is on the second floor loft.
Basking temp is around 105
Ambient temp is 82
But the space (height) between the lamp and floor is only 9" ..... Is that too close?


Thanks

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

The answer here is what is the temp on your tortoises top of shell while at that location. The eventual hight is manly a concern for hazards and temp of the tortoise. Not completely the basking spot temp. Hope that helps. If not, let me know and myself or others will help explain it better.

 

[Tom]

I never measure the height of my fixture. I only measure the temperature at tortoise shell height.

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

What Tom said.

 

[Tom]

Well I liked what Ken said...

 

[Myidcw]

So.... I will have to point the temp gun at the top of my baby sully when he/she is basking under the light?
But I haven't seen my baby stay directly under the light, always on the side or somewhere near it.
Does that mean the temp is probably too high for my baby right down the basking spot?

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

Yes, you are correct about reading off his back. And yes he is probably staying off to the side from it being too hot. Try placing a similar sized/colored rock in that location and check it after 10-15 mins.

 

[mike taylor]

Put a rock or something the size of your tortoise then get a reading . Don't use the tortoise you could overheat him very quickly.

 

[Tom]

Yes, you are correct about reading off his back. And yes he is probably staying off to the side from it being too hot. Try placing a similar sized/colored rock in that location and check it after 10-15 mins.

Are you reading my mind today? Jeez. I can't keep up.

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

I know. Mike nailed it. Lol.

 

[Myidcw]

Got it... Thanks

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

Keep asking questions. We were all there at some point as well. Happy to help you and your tortoise have a long, enjoyable, healthy life together.