New leopard gecko parent-please help!

[chloeandleo]

So I'm starting out with my leopard gecko, but the hot side temperature keeps changing? I'm using a temperature gun to measure the temperature and it's below the recommended 28. I have a thermostat. Also a thermometer is arriving tomorrow. I will be hopefully bringing mu leopard gecko owner home this weekend but that's if I get the temperature right. Also I read somewhere that it takes 24-48 hours to heat the tank, but if I turn it off each night won't it not work during the day because it'll need time to heat the tank? I'm a little confused, please help me!

 

[chloeandleo]

Also, earlier it was above 30 but when I measured it again it was 28. And my thermostat is meant to be a dumping thermostat but it's staying on. Also I only put it up today

 

[acpart]

You should be keeping the heat on 24/7. I've found it does take a few days for the temperature to stabilize. Also remember that the thermostat will shut off the heating when the temperature gets above the setting and will turn it on when the temperature gets below the setting. A 2 degree fluctuation isn't significant and although the cheaper thermostats aren't that accurate, the gecko doesn't need temperatures to be absolutely inflexibly stable.

Aliza