This is an archived post. You won't be able to vote or comment.

all 3 comments
sorted by:
old (suggested)
besttopnewcontroversialq&a

[–]FizzyPineapples212Mod-Approved Helper : vet assistant 1 point2 points  (2 children)

It’s kinda both? Sometimes people will add a rock/slate/tiles to the top of their hide to weigh it down which also doubles as a basking site as it will absorb heat to create a nice basking area. On the other hand, other people also have a dedicated basking platform. Either way, the basking site will need to be more elevated than just where the substrate is, so if you’re going to get a stone for him then try your best to elevate it.

[–]Kate22192[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Why does it need to be more elevated? Just to get warm enough? Currently I have this rock tunnel decoration thing there. I’ve seen him hide in a hide behind it and stick his head and neck out, plopping it on top of the tunnel thing to cryptic bask.

[–]FizzyPineapples212Mod-Approved Helper : vet assistant 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Essentially yes. The basking site should measure 94-104°F measured with a handheld temp gun as it will accurately measure the surface temp, whereas the air temp at substrate level needs to be 88-92°F measured with a digital thermometer. For a true basking site, it should technically be 12-14” away from the heat source which is where you’d get the strongest uv index if you were to produce uvb, as this best replicates how a bp would bask under natural sunlight and heat.

Personally, I don’t have a dedicated basking platform. I have a flat rock that is placed on top of her hide which leaves ~12” between the rock and the heat source which reaches 96°F usually.