Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
Im having a bit of trouble achieveing the right temperature in my geckos enclosure so I was gonna ask a few questions.
First I understand the desired warm end temperature is in the 85-90* mark and the cool end about room temp. What I dont understand (and forgive me if I overlooked this in the numerous caresheets Ive looked at) is the 85-90* supposed to be the temperature of the substrate or the ambient temperature of the air a certain distance above it. Some information about my setup. I use a 40 Breeder tank with 3/4 to 1 inch of calci sand as substrate I have a Zoo Med UTH rated for my size tank. The substrate directly above the heater remains a constant 88-90* the air 3 inches above the substrate is aroun 75-79*. I have recorded these temperature variances over a 72 hour period with my min-max thermometer so they are pretty accurate. Does anyone have a similar setup and if so do you use UTH or lights to heat it and if lights what wattage, type etc.
Thanks,
Jason Guy

Sounds like you have what I like to refer to as good bottom belly heat. Temperature of the substrate at 90 is right on. Ambient air temps are less important unless they were to get really low. But yours sound like they are right on. Hope this helps ya out.