G
Gonser
Guest
I recently did a very in-depth experiment checking temps in a new rack I purchased. (I will not say the name brand because I think the findings are likely relevant for all rack systems.)
My temp is set at 97 on my Spyder Herpstat, which is taped to the actual heat tape in the middle section of the rack.
I then used a high quality digital temp probe, taped to the inside of a tupperware hide in a tub to mimic actual geckos' hide surface conditions, and moved this tub setup from shelf to shelf, allowing a few hours for an accurate stable reading at each shelf level (6 shelves high).
I was rather surprised to see a wide variation in temps in this study. The bottom shelf was the warmest at 97. The temps in the middle shelves were in the 93-95 range, and the top shelf consistently read 89-90. So, there is a 7 degree difference from top to bottom.
The reason is that the flex watt heat tape comes in at the bottom of the rack, so it is the hottest there. The top shelf is the end of the line for the flex watt where it is dead-ended....thus there is not much current flow at the top shelf, so it is cooler.
I would keep this in mind when you are placing your geckos in a rack. Those who can handle a slightly lower temp should be put at the top, and those who you want warmer, place toward the bottom of your rack.
Now, your rack MAY be different, so I suggest you do this same experiment to determine if these findings hold true with your system.
Hope this study was of value to you.
My temp is set at 97 on my Spyder Herpstat, which is taped to the actual heat tape in the middle section of the rack.
I then used a high quality digital temp probe, taped to the inside of a tupperware hide in a tub to mimic actual geckos' hide surface conditions, and moved this tub setup from shelf to shelf, allowing a few hours for an accurate stable reading at each shelf level (6 shelves high).
I was rather surprised to see a wide variation in temps in this study. The bottom shelf was the warmest at 97. The temps in the middle shelves were in the 93-95 range, and the top shelf consistently read 89-90. So, there is a 7 degree difference from top to bottom.
The reason is that the flex watt heat tape comes in at the bottom of the rack, so it is the hottest there. The top shelf is the end of the line for the flex watt where it is dead-ended....thus there is not much current flow at the top shelf, so it is cooler.
I would keep this in mind when you are placing your geckos in a rack. Those who can handle a slightly lower temp should be put at the top, and those who you want warmer, place toward the bottom of your rack.
Now, your rack MAY be different, so I suggest you do this same experiment to determine if these findings hold true with your system.
Hope this study was of value to you.
