Help with Temperature, Please

[jaknb]

I have read many articles and posting about how very important temperatures are in the Viv are yet I have never seen any information as to the correct way to obtain the desired temps. I have an electronic thermometer with a probe attached to a long cord. I can very the reading on the warm side 20 degrees just by where I place the probe. If under the rays of the heat lamp it might read 102. Same spot but covered with artificial plants it will read 82 degrees. Directly touching the substrate 99 degrees but ¼ inch off the substrate it will read 84 degrees. Both of these last to examples are not under the direct rays of the lamp. So can someone tell me what is the correct way to measure an accurate temperature in the viv.
Thanks,
jaknb

 

[Baker14]

I suggest using a UTH to maintain temperatures especially through the substrate. Althoguh proper temps of 88-92 degrees can be obtained with a light, it is easier to use an undertank heater instead. YOu want to put the probe directly on top of the substrate under the warm hide and try to achieve a temp of 88-92. I have a plastic hide that i made out of a tupperware for a warm hide. With a light shinning down on the hide the substrate temp gets to 100 degrees, so I put a fake plat on top of the hide and it stays at a pretty constant 90 degrees. You have to experiment with different ways to change the heating. Let me know if you ahve any other ?s about this.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

A UTH (belly heat) is preferred for leopard geckos rather than overhead heat. A heat lamp will raise the ambient air temperature, when it's the bottom surface area that's most important.

 

[jaknb]

I neglected to write that I am using a UTH as well as a heat lamp. Now I know to but the probe on the substrate , under the warm hide. Thanks