My panther is always so dark almost black

[salty dog]

Your cham is trying to warm up

 

[MSPINAZ1]

does he ever lighten up at all? they turn dark to bask (dark colors attract more heat etc). sounds like you need to make sure you heat read out are accurate. what other lighting/bulbs do you have for him. need more info. your pic does look like a normal basking color.