Can Infrared Be Too Hot?

[30secondstobob]

In an effort to increase the ambient heat on the hot side of the tank, I replaced my 60 watt black light with a 75 watt infrared. I also have an undertank heating pad on the warm side. The reason I did this was because the ambient temp 6 inches under the light was only 86 degrees. It has always been this way but my geckos appear very healthy and happy. They eat well, shed, grow and have mated to produce two eggs. I was concerned that with winter coming, that temp would drop even lower as room temperature declined.
After installing the new light, the geckos behaved differently. They would spend a lot of time "basking" just out of the radius of the infrared light and wouldn't enter any of the hides. It almost seemed like it was too hot. The thermometer read about 90, but that is on the back glass, just beyond being under the light. Does infrered produce a different kind of heat that feels hotter to the geckos? BTW, I put the old light back. Bob

 

[Russ S]

What is the temperature on the surface where the geckos are basking, walking,ect.? These temps are more important than air temp in the tank.

 

[30secondstobob]

The temperatures on the surfaces were always about right. 76 on the cool side, 86 on the warm, and 88 right above the UTH. I've read elsewhere (on this forum) that the ambient heat on the warm side should be higher. Thanks. Bob

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

I think that ambient air temperature is not as important as the surface temperature (belly heat) on the warmest area of the enclosure. If anything, high air temperatures can do more harm than good.

 

[Dimidiata]

Agreed, while you obviously dont want the air to be too cold(60s) i keep mine at around 80-85 in the tank and it doesnt seem to bother him. It goes down at night due to my fan. Only 78 though. As long as the belly heat is proper you should be fine.

 

[30secondstobob]

Well if the UTH is doing it's job, they definately get the belly heat! I do think the extra ambient heat was stressing them out more than anything else, so I removed the infrared and put back the cooler "nightlight". It kept my male alive and rapidly growing for over eight months, so it couldn't be too terrible. Bob