Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am a little confused about surface temps vs temps with a digital thermometer. So my question is are temps supposed to be
120-130 on the surface of the basking spot or 120-130 air temp?
Thanks in advance for any responses.

A range on the basking spot from the 120s through the low 130s, this is the reading from the actual surface (best taken with a IR temp gun). The air temperature should be at around 100 on the warm side (best taken with digital thermometers). The cool side of the enclosure should get to the low 80s for a proper gradient; not too hard to achieve in a proper sized 4'x2' footprint enclosure.

Also, keep these things in mind:
A digital (or just about any other thermometer used for reptile applications)in direct sunlight or "lamp-light" is not going to be accurate.
The temp gun measures the amount of heat radiating off any given source: so just for example, a 100 watt bulb 10 inches away from a big rock from outside may measure 110F, the same bulb 10 inches away from playsand may measure 128F, the same bulb 10" away from a quarter inch thick tile of slate may measure 122F, and the same bulb 10" away from a rete stack made of thin wood may measure 136F. (just to add to the confusion, and the differences can be greater) Try it and see.
I think this accounts for a lot,but not all, of arguement on surface temp.
And ambient means "background", so the air will be hotter than 100 right at the basking spot.
With some expiramenting you can find your uro's optimal basking spots.
Have fun.

...and if you are using low watt halogens or "spot" bulbs the difference is even MORE dramatic.

Thanks for the responses