Heating Problems

[wolfluvr71]

I have just gotten my first leopard gecko and im having problems keeping his tank at a constant level. I have an under the tank heater and I also have a infra red light. I keep the light on at night to keep him warm but im worried because during the day I have to go look at the temperature every once in a while cause it sometimes gets too hot in the tank. I turn it off and it gets into the lower 80's. I worried that this might be too extreme of heat but then it drops and I worry about too low.
I would really appreciate some advice on what I should do.

 

[WilliamTheLeopardGecko]

No 80s is great! 85-90 degrees is the best!

 

[wolfluvr71]

No 80s is great! 85-90 degrees is the best!

It is? I wasnt sure because people have said he needs to stay in the 90's but it was worrying me so much that it would get too hot. It usually stays in the 80's except when it starts to cool off at night and then i turn on his light.

 

[CNest]

What are you using to measure the temps? Are you talking about the ambient temperature or the hot spot specifically?

 

[wolfluvr71]

What are you using to measure the temps? Are you talking about the ambient temperature or the hot spot specifically?

I have an electronic thermometer that is on the warm side of the tank monitoring the ambient temp.

 

[Cesar_Da_KIng]

no you need a probe thermometer to measure the floor temp and 88-91 is perfect so aim for that.

 

[wolfluvr71]

no you need a probe thermometer to measure the floor temp and 88-91 is perfect so aim for that.

Thanks! Ill definitley get one!!

 

[mudskipper]

You need to get a temp gun. Something like this. http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12465733

Plug the heat pad into a thermostat. Like this one. http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTP...5947909&sr=8-1&keywords=hydrofarms+thermostat

The heat lamp can be on 24 hours a day if it's not too bright or too hot.

Post a picture of your tank and read the care sheets here. http://geckoforums.net/articles.php?c=115 Good luck!

 

[CNest]

I agree with Mudskipper, get a temp gun. They are worth every penny. Also everything else they suggested haha.

 

[wolfluvr71]

Ill be sure to get them as soon as I can!

 

[CNest]

Wanted to add that you could brows Amazon for a temp gun as well. I found a good deal on one, cheaper than what was in the local pet stores.

 

[wolfluvr71]

Thanks so much! Ill definitley look it up!! Always for saving money