Do air temps make a difference?

[GeckoNub]

We've had a bit of warm weather lately so we havent been putting the heating on as much, but i have noticed the air temps in my vivs havent been as warm as i would like.

I have digital themometers near my heat mats and they are normally in the 90-96 range. I use paper towel substrate.

I also have dial thermometers at each end to read air temps but they only read about 70-75.

I have fittings for a bulb on the warm side but atm arent using any bulbs. I have tried using a 60w bulb but then i think it gets too warm, 90+.

I am considering getting some 40w red bulbs to leave on all the time incase its a little chilly because im worried clear/white will hurt their eyes....yes im a big stresser when it comes to my babies

So is air temp important? My geckos dont tend to wander round much, its normally Yoshi under his log most of the time and Daisy will have a bit of a wander sometimes on a night but not much.

Could raising my air temps make them a bit more active?

And do you think a 40w bulb would be enough to raise it enough or is the 60w fine?

 

[GeckoNub]

Cant edit my post

Had the 60w clear bulb in Yoshi's viv for about 10 mins now and air temp is reading 100F. Doesnt seem to be going any higher, about 85F on cool side.

So im still worried 60w is too high. Yoshi is just sat under his log still anyway hehe

 

[mcarthon]

yea you dont actually need a clear bulb you should purchase a red light about 40 watt would be fine and you can keep that on 24/7 without bothering the gecko at all or you can get a red heat bulb if you need the temps higher.