(HELP) Herpstat reads different temp the heat gun

[Michael329]

Hey so I'm not afraid to get the right info and gain more knowledge on taking care of my new Ball Python. I had recently bought a 1 year old black head pastel on Sunday (07/21/19) and I have done tremendous amounts of research on how to take care of it from knowing the correct temps, to substrate thickness, to maintenance, and hides. I feel as though I got everything set except for my temps as in what I'm seeing and what is being put out. I currently have a Herpstat set right and having my temp on the hot side at 90 degrees. My new heat gun that I purchased is currently giving me a reading of about 78-80 degrees on the heat side. My BP is actually not doing bad from switching from the hot to cold side these past few days since I got the right UTH (size wise) to put a consistent temp on the Herpstat. My biggest confusion is why am I getting 90 on the Herpstat and 78-80 on the substrate (hot side)? I had also pushed substrate to the side to see what the tank is from the glass near the probe and I'm getting the 90 degrees plus(fluctuated) so again is it okay if the heat gun is reading a different temp on the substrate then the actual glass tank where the probe sits at?

NOTE I have my wooden stand, then UTH, Glass tank, then probe, then substrate about shy of and inch.

I do know that the heat gun takes the temp of the surface and doesn't account for air but I'm still a bit worried if he's really not even getting the right heat source. Also I just bought aluminum tape to tape the heat mat onto the tank since there is a very small gap from the tank to the UTH.

who ever responds I appreciate you helping me in any way with whatever response, I'm new to this and just want to learn and be better because I do care and love my Ball Python tremendously.
THANK YOU

[jmcrook]

First: should be table, UTH, THEN thermostat probe, enclosure bottom, substrate in that order. It sounds like you’ve got the probe in the cage. The snake can move it, pee on it, spill water, etc and cause a dangerous temp spike.

Second: you’re aiming for 90° on the enclosure floor BENEATH the substrate. The snake can and will move substrate out of the way to access the UTH. If it’s 90° on top of the substrate then it’s dangerously hot underneath it.

Third: calibrate your temp gun. Mix a glass of ice water for a min or two. Temp should read 32°. If it does not then your temp gun is inaccurate


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[Michael329]

Thank you for the response just switched the probe placement and you are right with the snakes movements moving the probe. I placed it as follows from bottom to top, UTH, Probe, Tank, substrate.

[Zincubus]

I know nothing about your particular thermostat but the ‘dials or readings’ on most stats are a simple guide to the temps .. you use a temp gun get the exact surface temps and then adjust the stat dial accordingly


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