Heating Issues

So i got my first leopard gecko. but i dont know how to heat up the tank more. the hot side stays at a steady 78. not good at all. the heat pad is on the side because the substrate is to thick. I even added a basking light and it wont heat up. next im gonna try a bigger heating pad. please help

Take the heatpad of the side of the tank. That isn't really doing anything :P Leos get their heat from their bellies, so they need to be able to lay on top of the heatpad.

Are you measuring the air temp or the floor temp? The floor temp can only be measured by a temp gun, or a probe thermometer. If you are measuring the air temp, thats why its so low. Its not the air temp that matters, but the belly heat. The floor temp should be between 88* -95*. You need to get a probe thermometer. If you are using a probe thermometer, I would try getting another one for a second "opinion". The first one could be malfunctioning.

What substrate are you using?

The basking light isn't gonna do much for your leo. They get their heat from their bellies (it helps them digest their food).

Congrats on getting your first leo! Can't wait to see pictures!

My substrate is a thin layer of paper towl. then some dry moss. then excavator with a thin layer of safe liquid plastic that drys place.

Well, you can just go with paper towels by themselves. You don't need the moss, the excavator, or that liquid plastic. It may not be as asthetically pleasing, but it will work just fine. You can also go with an unglazed ceramic tile substrate, which heats well.

I might. also take a look at my other forum. i posted some pics.
- http://www.leopardgeckoforum.com/t1840-my-new-leo

That is a lot of substrate. I don't think that is gonna work, even with a bigger heatpad. Sorry.
Kodie gave some great options for substrate.

OK, i think im gonna put her in a 10 gallon tank for now with just paper towl and bring the heater for that one. then ill put her back into the larger one once there is a thin thin thin thin thin layer of substrate for heat. Any ideas beside vinyl tile????

There are tilings, (ceramic, slate, peel-n-stick). I think those look great.

I'm guessing you are going for a more aesthetic look though? If you are going for natural, leos don't actually live on sand. For pics look here. That can give some good inspiration.

Some members have created naturalistic tanks with grout and thin layers of styrofoam. Karagain has been creating an amazing tank with those materials. Check out this.

Hope this helps a bit!

Zodiac is lovin her new home. the temperature is now at a steady 93 degrees Fahrenheit because a bought a new and larger heating pad and stuck it under her tank.