Can't get the temps right!!

[daver676]

The heating pad I have underneath the tank seems to be working ok, with the substrate temp between 90-95, but since it's getting colder out, the cool end of the enclosure, as well as the ambient air temp in the enclosure is dropping as low as 65. I use a 100W red basking bulb on a rheostat during the day. Can I leave the basking light on all the time? My vet told me that the room should be pitch black at night.

Unless someone can suggest a better way to set up the enclosure. I'm trying to do what I can, but I can't keep the temps up at night with just the heating pad.

Thanks.