Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm confused on which thermomter to use. I have a temp gun and a thermomter for reptiles I picked up at the pet shop. Right now I got the temps setup for the temp gun. But some people at this forum told me to use both which is impossible to do because if I use the thermometer to adjust the temperature the temp gun is going to read the temperature too high (hot spots of up to 120 with the temp gun) and if I use the temp gun to adjust the temperature the thermometer is going to read the temperature too low, 77 cool side and 80 hot side with the thermometer, 78-82 cool side and 88-95 hot side with the temp gun. Please help me and tell me how which on to use to properly read the temps.

Thanks, Juan

You don't use a "thermometer". You use a "thermostat". A thermostat has a probe on it. It will automatically shut off the heat when it gets to the right temps. Then you use your temp gun periodically to double check the temps. You use the temp gun to check your boas temp, hot spot temp, cool side floor temp, and warm side floor temp. A thermostat will basically control the ambient temps. If the ambient temps are good normally the rest of the temps are also good. Normally you set the prob for the thermostat about 1 inch above the hot spot. Make sure it's right over the hot spot to make sure the hot spot doesn't get to hot.

I have a hold drilled into the back of my cages, that's 1 inch above the hot spot. I just put the temp prob in that hole and secure it in place.

I'm not sure which thermostat is best. I use the Boaphile thermostat and it works fine for my boas.

If you really meant thermometer, then go by the temp gun, just make sure you know where to aim it. If you got those liquid crystal stick on thermometers they are worthless. It says on the pack that they are for reptiles but they do not work If you got an accurate thermometer it should match the temp gun reading if you shoot it where the thermometer is.

I agree though you need to regulate the temp not just measure it, so you also need a device to do that like a thermostat or a dimmer switch.

Good luck,
Caden

"I'm confused on which thermomter to use. I have a temp gun and a thermomter for reptiles I picked up at the pet shop. Right now I got the temps setup for the temp gun. But some people at this forum told me to use both which is impossible to do because if I use the thermometer to adjust the temperature the temp gun is going to read the temperature too high (hot spots of up to 120 with the temp gun) and if I use the temp gun to adjust the temperature the thermometer is going to read the temperature too low, 77 cool side and 80 hot side with the thermometer, 78-82 cool side and 88-95 hot side with the temp gun. Please help me and tell me how which on to use to properly read the temps.

Thanks, Juan"