I've just set up my juvi beardie enclosure, and I'm getting unexpected basking platform temperatures.

I'm using a Magnaturals rock ledge (this one http://www.pet-tech.com/amphibians.h...category_id=25) as the basking platform. I'm using a PowerSun UV 100W lamp, in a dome light that is big enough to accommodate a 160W MVB (for when I upgrade his enclosure in February). His enclosure is a 36x12x17 (30 gallon) aquarium for now (I was told at J&J that this would be fine for a couple of months).

The bottom of the light fixture is around 11" above the basking platform, and the bottom of the bulb is 14" above his basking platform. My temperature reading on the basking platform is 103.9F (and still climbing). I had previously tested the temperature with a ceramic tile, and the light fixture is now four inches higher than where I figured it needed to be based on the ceramic tile tests.

I'm pretty sure that I read, somewhere, that the bulb should be 7-10" from the basking platform for correct UVB exposure. I'm 4" too high, based on the readings I'm getting right now. I'm using a temperature probe, which is accurate to around 2F (it typically reads a bit high). I'm going to run out today and hopefully grab a temp gun.

In the mean time, does anyone have experience with the Magnaturals products as basking platforms? I'm concerned that they may absorb more heat, or may do something to throw off temperature readings.

Also, how important is the distance of the bulb from the platform . . . would 14" from the bulb be okay?