Small Basking Light?

[bryverine]

It looks like my H. arizonensis enclosure is about ready for inhabitants! I have a couple (hopefully) quick questions about heating.

Do scorpions need a basking light?

Important background info:
1. It will reside in my tarantula closet which is normally 76-82°F.
2. The screen is pretty close to the top (I'll get exact measurement w/ pic when i get home) of the substrate, so it would have to be a pretty small, low powered lamp.
3. It's a 5.5 gallon critter cage with a sliding mesh top.

If they need a light, is there anything that will fit on top without touching the plastic and melting it AND not fry the scorpion if it's within a few inches?

Update:
It is 6.5" in front 8.5" in back (gradient).

 

[jhilde]

Scorpions are generaly only active at night. If you wanted a viewing light I would suggest a dim red light as it wont bother the scorpion. 76-82 will be fine without any auxilary heat source.

 

[darkness975]

@bryverine They despise light. Avoid using any lights except for the occasional red phase flashlight or UV flashlight if you want to view them for a few minutes in the middle of the night.