Habitat - Indoor :: New Basking Light Setup - ideal distance?

[kozysnacker]

Hello, a couple of weeks ago I set up a new 10 gallon tank for my 8 month old RES and he seems to having the common new surrounding jitters that I've read in other threads, including seemingly not basking enough (at least when I'm around). This morning I lowered the lightbulbs (Repti Glo 5.0 + Exo Terra 75W heating lamp) to move them closer to the basking float and hopefully encourage him to spend more time up there.

I've posted some pictures here for your comments:

1) Are the lights close enough to warm the spot and far enough not to overheat it?
2) Is it safe to have these hot bulbs lingering closely over the tank?
3) Will the rubber suction cups (especially the spray bar directly under the dome) be affected by the heat?

Any input would be greatly appreciated, including suggestions on how to improve the tank setup and other accessories. Thanks.

[steve]

1) you need a thermometer to measure it.
2) its generally safe, as long as your turtle and/or splashing water cannot reach it. Take precautions - have anything electrical plugged into a GFCI outlet and use splash proof bulbs.
3) I can't imagine it having major impact unless it's overheating it.

[Ranger The Red Ear Slider]

Looks good to me. Maybe raise the water level a few inches? Your turtle will thank you in tons of swimming entertainment. Also make sure it won't fall into the tank I knocked my UVB bulb into mines today and no more uvb bulb Burned itself off the socket holder.

[speedynlucky]

My 150 Watt MVB bulb is 20 inches from the basking spot which is in the recommended distance of 18-22 inches from a UV standpoint. I noticed the spot was sitting at 85 degrees so I bought a 150 watt light bulb and just clipped it to the rim of the ATB spot and it brought my temp to 92 degrees