Another newb question

[somehelp123]

Hi all, I've recently set up my tank for the gecko I will be getting soon. I have a question regarding where to exactly place the probe to my Zillah 500 Watt thermostat. Currently it's in a corner suctioned cupped against the bottom of the tank. Essentially, only the tip is touching the substrate. Will the thermostat be able to read the temp properly this way? Or would it be OK to tape it flat against the substrate under the hide where it will get the most heat? My substrate is a reptile mat. Thank you for your help and time, I apologize if this was already answered.

 

[Olympus]

I would tape it directly to the glass over the heat pad, since you want to know what the temperature is right over it (where your gecko will be laying.) You'll get a more accurate temperature this way

 

[somehelp123]

I would tape it directly to the glass over the heat pad, since you want to know what the temperature is right over it (where your gecko will be laying.) You'll get a more accurate temperature this way

Thanks for the reply. If I taped it directly to the glass where the uth is, wouldn't that give me an inaccurate temp? I say this because the direct glass is warmer than what the actual substrate gets? For example the glass may get to 96-97 but the substrate where the gecko is laying on is actually 90 degrees? Lol kind of confused.

Could I just tape the probe to thr substrate and put his hide over it?

 

[indyana]

I would tape it directly to the glass over the heat pad, since you want to know what the temperature is right over it (where your gecko will be laying.) You'll get a more accurate temperature this way

+1 to Oli's reply.

Could I just tape the probe to thr substrate and put his hide over it?

If are using a substrate that you can tape the probe to, then yes, taping to the substrate also works. I use brown paper, for example, and tape the probe right to the paper under my gecko's hide each time I clean.

 

[somehelp123]

Thank you for replying. The only other concern I have is, if taped directly onto the substrate inside the warm hide, the gecko will obviously be stepping/laying right on top of the probe. Do I need to be concerned about that?

Again, Thank you for all your help, I apologize for all the questions.

+1 to Oli's reply.


If are using a substrate that you can tape the probe to, then yes, taping to the substrate also works. I use brown paper, for example, and tape the probe right to the paper under my gecko's hide each time I clean.

 

[Olympus]

You said you're using repticarpet, right? I just don't think that half a centimeter of felt is going to alter/insulate your reading by 10 degrees I bet you that if the glass says 100 the repticarpet is probably right up there too.

 

[somehelp123]

It's a mat essentially, almost like a rubber mat. I purchased it from here Rocky Cage Liner, 10x20" - Pinellas County Reptiles. There is a considerable temp difference actually. I measured the glass at 105 and my hotspot on my mat at 96. So, not sure what the best option is as far placing this probe. Would it be a problem if the gecko came in direct contact with the thermostat probe and my temp probe inside the hide?

You said you're using repticarpet, right? I just don't think that half a centimeter of felt is going to alter/insulate your reading by 10 degrees I bet you that if the glass says 100 the repticarpet is probably right up there too.

 

[indyana]

Hmm, I've never had my gecko actually lay on the probe. I suppose it could alter the reading on one side, depending upon the difference between the air temp and the gecko's body temp, but the bottom of the probe would still be on the floor. I don't think it could cause too many issues.