Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all!

Well, I finally did it, I scoured and disinfected Archie's (RIP)tank, and got some additional cage furniture so that I can move Mosca into it this weekend. I have a pretty good idea of the lighting that is required due to having already had it set up for Arch once before, but here is my question. In the past I have done the temp checks with probes, so more ambient temps. I am getting a temp gun this afternoon (yes I know, about time), and am curious what sort of surface temps to expect.

What brought this about specifically is that I created some higher places for Mosca so that he can get closer to the UVB, and a hotter basking spot. The ambient temps are appropriate, about 120, but the surface temp is so hot that I cannot touch it for more than a second or two, hence the added motivation to actually purchase the temp gun instead of just having it on my list of things to buy. What sort of surface temps should I expect to find? At what point do they become potentially dangerous?

Thanks for your help! I will post pictures once I get the "new" terrarium all set up.

Elizabeth
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1.0 Mali Uro Archimedes (May he rest in peace)
0.0.1 Egyptian Uro Zuberi Mosca Khu (Mosca)
0.0 Fish
0.1 Sulcata Minnie
1.1 Iguanas Flik and Loki
0.1 Newfoundland Jasmine (RIP)
0.1 Feline Winter
Indiana & Wisconsin

I was told that a varying ground temp between 80-100F would do it. As well as a basking temp between 110-130. The uro will choose what it likes best. Night time temp drop should be around 70 degrees. Hope this helps. It has worked thus far for my mali and ornates.

using a temp gun, you should expect to measure basking surface temps from 120-150F. depending on the setup, the cage layout, and the overall temp gradient, we have basking temps at times over 160F. lizards can use a very wide range of temps. the hotter it is, the less time they have to spend basking to soak up the heat/energy they need.

i typically recommend shooting for 120-130F for a basking spot, and as you gain experience, you can widen the range from there, according to your own needs : )
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

Thanks Robyn! That was exactly the information I was looking for. My ambient temps are in the 120s at the basking spot, so I figured the ground temp there would be higher.

Thanks again!

Elizabeth
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1.0 Mali Uro Archimedes (May he rest in peace)
0.0.1 Egyptian Uro Zuberi Mosca Khu (Mosca)
0.0 Fish
0.1 Sulcata Minnie
1.1 Iguanas Flik and Loki
0.1 Newfoundland Jasmine (RIP)
0.1 Feline Winter
Indiana & Wisconsin

But, wouldn't it really depend on the material that the surface temp is taken off of? I mean, a metal sheet will produce really high heat (enough to burn a uro, maybe) versus a piece of wood (a really poor conductor of heat). I wouldn't think of even throwing that variable out there.

Note: I would never think of taking anything away from Robyn's input as I totally respect and value his input, but just a point of view to consider.

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2.1 - Rocky, Runako, and RoxyIII (my care sheets)

Robyn, with this type of surface temperature, are you able to tell us what temp your uro's are and what is the temp where they sit most of the time. I am curious because both my pairs seem to stay at about 105 and rest where they maintain that temp. You raise some interesting points about surface temps. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us!

Hi - I thought surface temps at the basking spot had to be ~120 and air (ambient) temps ~100. Did I misunderstand everyone? I never saw an ambient temperature of 120 recommended or even mentioned before...
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~ Vamppire
Queens, New York City

The basking spot temp, the temp of the spot needs to be 120-130. The ambient air temp around the basking spot needs to be 100-110. Keep in mind that Robin uses the stack racks. There Uro's are able to climb up and down as needed to adjust there temp as needed. They are also in huge troughs that have open areas. The substrate is also soil and alot of it. What you have to consider is the enviroments we are talking about. There is a large difference in 2 bags of playsand verses 2 yards of soil.
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Jon

0.1.0 Uromastyx Mali
1.0.0 Uromastyx Red Saharan
0.0.1 House Gecko
1.0.0 Green Anole

http://www.geocities.com/jonneighbors/Uromastyx_Photos.html?1118390559062