Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is it safe to place the heat sensor thing under neath the cage instead of in the cage. There are spacers so it just sits in there, and the temp on the helix goes to what I need, but if I just put it in the cage it only goes to like 83 and I need 93. So is it safe to have it there, I can't really understand the instructions. Because for racks it says you can place underneath the box and over the heater for more consistent temps.

Thanks
Jeff

I did put it under the heaters and the heaters cooled down, but when I put it back in the cage it goes to like 78 ( dont know if that is the temp) and then I can feel the heater get warmer. Please help.
Thanks

With a cage, I put the probe in the cage on the basking spot (or over the spot where the heat tape is on the bottom of the cage). You are trying to measure the actual temp of the spot where the animal will be. If you want the reptile to have an 85 degree basking spot, you set the temp on the unit to 85 degrees, the probe goes on the basking spot, and the heat source should run till the spot reaches 85 degrees. You'll need another thermometer to check the ambient temp of the cage (the cool side) to make sure you have a good gradient. For my rack, I put the probe behind the tubs next to the heat source (my rack is heated from the back). The difference in temperature in the space behind the tub and in the actual tub is only a couple of degrees, so I adjust my thermostat accordingly.

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Lora

I concur with Lora, you will need to calibrate your thermostat against a thermometer placed in the basking/heating area. Once you get the thermostat set you will not need to change it again.

In other words, your thermostat might read 92 to get a 87 basking area but that is fine. Just keep adjusting the thermostat until the basking area is correct.

Winston