after experimenting with my dums for several weeks i reached a point of keeping their hot spot at 90 24/7 and the coolest 1/3 of the cage at 78 during the day and 71-72 at night. I'm keeping 2 this way without any problems. they are eating machines, gaining weight, having a bm on a regular basis, and seem to be in perfect health.

of note* my female seems to spend 95% of her time burrowed or on a small branch on the cool side except for the day of and day after a meal. my male is the exact opposite and spends most of his time under his hide over the hot spot. the male is growing slightly faster, i assume due to improved digestion from being warm all the time.