Flood bulb- how close is too close?

[ChiKat]

I have a Russian hatchling arriving this week, so I’m trying to get my temps figured out asap.

I have a 65 watt incandescent flood bulb (Sylvania BR30) but it’s only getting hot enough directly under the bulb (over 95°) if I have it like 7 inches away from the substrate. Is this too close?
I haven’t been able to find a higher wattage bulb.
I am using the Fluker’s 10 inch clamp lamp (clamp removed) on a Zoo Med reptile lamp stand.

Details on the enclosure:
It’s a 38 gallon storage bin (Dimensions: H 15.51 in, W 22.03 in, D 38.18 in) which I know is only suitable while he’s a tiny hatchling.
I am using aluminum foil to cover it for now, but I’d like to use something more aesthetically pleasing. 🤪 Plexiglass?
Substrate is coco coir (hand packed), but I have a few bags of Repti bark for when he’s older. The pieces just seemed so big, so that’s why I’m starting off with the coco coir.

He has a humid hide, another hide, terra cotta water dish, food dish, flat rock (paver) underneath his light, etc.

So I think I’m all set for his enclosure, I just need to figure out how to keep it warm enough, and a better way to keep it covered.

 

[wellington]

Have you left the bulb on long enough before you read the temp? Most use the 65w and it should be enough, specially with a flat rock under it, but not having it be so low.
Make sure you leave the bulb on at least an hour and then read it.

 

[ChiKat]

Yes, it has been on for several hours and I’m still only getting a hot spot of 95 if I keep it 7 inches away.
I wonder if it’s a faulty bulb? I have extras- maybe I’ll swap it out and see if there’s a difference…

We keep our house around 75° fwiw, so it’s not like my house is freezing either…

 

[wellington]

Yeah, try another bulb and see what it reads.

 

[Tom]

Yes, it has been on for several hours and I’m still only getting a hot spot of 95 if I keep it 7 inches away.
I wonder if it’s a faulty bulb? I have extras- maybe I’ll swap it out and see if there’s a difference…

We keep our house around 75° fwiw, so it’s not like my house is freezing either…

Weird... How are you checking the temp? Temp guns don't work well for this. Get a digital thermometer and lay it on its back directly under the bulb. Let it cook for an hour or more.

95 is okay for a basking are too, and if the temp is right, 7 inches is not too close.

 

[ChiKat]

I switched out the bulb, and this one seems to be working better.
Still pretty close to the substrate, but not 7 inches. Although I’m glad to hear that distance is okay if necessary.

I’m checking with a digital thermometer and temp gun.