Problem with heating/lighting.

[GaTo]

Alright guys i'm a brand new Leo owner (as of yesterday) and i'm having some difficulty here and wanted to ask you experts a couple of questions.

Problem One

I have a glass tank where on the cool hide the temp is on average between 70-74 F and on the warm hide it's between 92 - 98F. All i'm using for heating is a small heating pad (about 6-8") which i have directly below two layers of Astroturf substrate. I have a semi circle log as the Hide on the warm side. Digital thermometer is inside the hide. Now i think the heat is too warm on that side but Guy (my Leo) spends all of his time on that side. When i touch it with my hand it's warm but it's not hot to the touch. Is that a problem?

Problem Two

The tank stays in my room on top of my dresser drawer. It's in front of my window (not directly) but i don't get direct sunlight in that window. It provides light dring the day but it's not exactly in the room as my window is covered by a front porch. Do i need to get an over the tank light for the tank? I'm trying to avoid this as i don't want to cause my electricity bill to go through the roof. I will try to take pictures later on today to give you guys a better visual.

Thanks,

GaTo

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Carlos, how are you measuring the warm side temperature? It should be around 92 degrees right on the surface where the gecko's tummy would be. I think 98 degrees is a little warm, but you can use a rheostat or dimmer to lower the temp a little.

You do not need any overhead lighting at all, and as long as the tank does not have direct sunlight (with the sun shining straight on it), you should be OK.

 

[GaTo]

Hey Marcia,

Thanks for taking the time to respond this is the exact thermometer that i am using

i have the probe laying on top of the two layers of astroturf and it is placed inside of the hide (i think the temperature is raised because it is inside the hide) i'll take a temp of the astroturf without the hide on top of it.

 

[GaTo]

Also never used a thermostat before recommend a good brand?