Having Trouble with Veiled's Temps

[Poptartjake]

I bought a 4 month old "Sunburst" Veiled at Repticon last Saturday. I wasn't really planning to buy a new Cham while I was here or I would have set up the tank and everything prior, but I had a feeling it would happen anyways....So, I got a new little guy and named him Kuzco, but I've noticed that when I supply a hotter temp for him to bask at he will start gaping at least a few times and might even thrash his head side to side once or twice as if he was, "freaked." The highest I ever measured his basking temp at was 83F and I doubt it would ever get above 85-87F but when I do have it at 83F or so he gapes and that makes me nervous that he is getting too hot. At the same time, I worry that moving the light away puts his basking spot around 78-80F which I know should NOT be a high enough temp for him....

So, should I keep it at 83-85F and just let him gape as he does? Should I keep it lower to prevent gaping? I am just worried since my Jackson's doesn't really have this problem and I know Veiled's need a higher temp basking spot in comparison to a Jackson's.

 

[carol5208]

What wattage are you using for basking bulb and what are you measuring with? He should not be gaping at that temp. That is not that hot.

 

[Poptartjake]

That is what I have been thinking...I am just using a normal 60W house light bulb for heat as it provides the ranges I need. I am using an electronic thermometer with an attached probe via wire.

I just took a new reading of his basking spot currently with the lights raised and it is 77F which is too low....I am very confused by this whole thing. I know what his temp should be at this age but the problem is he doesn't seem to like it that hot...