Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
Im wondering of someone could clear something up for me about taking temp readings. Im using an infrared PE1 temp gun and routinely check temps of my cages, and of the animals within. My bci boas seem to like cooler temps 82-84 when not digesting. And they like to be about 86-87 when they are digesting. My bcc's however seem to like to be 86-87 degrees no matter what. My question is about actually measuring the hot spot temps of the cage. I use about a 1.5 inch layer of aspen, and at the top of the aspen on the hot side it can measure 85 degrees, but when I move the aspen aside and measure the contact area of the tub to the heat mat it can be as high as 100. This concerns me because for one thing there are all kinds of warnings about not letting the flexwatt exceed 95, but then I wonder well how am I suuposed to heat the top side of the aspen without exceeding 95 at the tape? I figure that I am taking measurments incorrectly, and would like to know the proper way to do this. Also just for additional info, my reptile room is heated to a constant 78. And the cool sides of all the cages are usually right at 80.
Thx
Chris

That sounds real good to me. I would think the snakes will go deeper into the aspen if they need the heat. The only problem I've had with heat tape is that it will burn up if not in contact with something. As long as it is in contact with a "heat sink" structure, as in a cage bottom, something to absorb the heat, it's ok. Whatever is left hanging in the air may overheat. That's my experience, anyway.
jsc