Thermostat Question

[Midnight_Special]

Hey all,

So I just got my leopard gecko, Diego and so far all has been well. He's eating, pooping, all that good stuff. So now I got my thermostat (Hydrofarm Jump Start) and I'm having a bit of a problem. My UTH is set up to the stat. I placed the stat probe under the warm hide, and I also have a digital thermometer set up in the hide as well (probe also). My thermostat is set to 95, (I read it should be about 5 dergrees more than you want). However my thermometer won't even come close to the stat temp. When the thermostat gets to 95, the thermometer hits 88.9 and won't get higher, which is an okay temp. But I'm not sure which reading to trust (88 or 95?)
----Also, I'm under the impression that some people choose to place the stat probe OUTSIDE on the UTH. If someone could explain this if it's a better option that would be great.

Supplies:
Thermostat:Hydrofarm Jump Start thermostat
Substrate: Repti carpet
Thermometer: Zoo med digital

Would a temp gun be my best bet here and get rid of the thermometer? If this is the case, please recommend one (reasonably priced please).

Any help is appreciated
Thanks,
Jake

 

[acpart]

Your best option is to keep it the way you have it with the thermostat and thermometer probes on the surface where the gecko spends its time. I have no idea why you're getting those temperature differences since your thermostat and thermometer are both digital. A temp gun can be a bit more reliable so if you can manage one, go for it. Otherwise, I'd recommend working with the thermostat and the thermometer to come up with some compromise that provides a decent temperature. It wouldn't hurt to move the thermometer probe around a bit in case there are hot and cool spots on the heat mat.

Aliza

 

[indyana]

I do not tend to use my thermostats as a way to measure temperature. I use both temperature monitors and a temp gun to check the temps around the hot spot and then adjust the thermostat as needed to reach the right temperatures.

Keep in mind that the temp is also going to cycle up and down as the thermostat kicks on and off, so at some times, the temperature may be low, and at other times, it may be high. The idea is to get it centered around 88 - 90 F.

 

[Midnight_Special]

Ok sounds good-
Thanks everyone!
Jake