Temperature - Where to measure it?

Hello all,

What may seem to be a naive question, but here goes;

I am busy installing heat tape under tubs in a rack I am building. Being that I am new to all this, I am running a set of trials on the heat tape including a max temp trial to see what happens if the t-stat were to fail etc...

One of the things that is not specified in the documentation I have referenced thus far is where exactly to measure the temperature on the warm side of the tub.

Should I measure the AIR temperature above the heat tape (say 2-3 inches above the "floor" of the tub or should I measure the temperature of the Surface with which my python(s) will be in contact?

Thanks in advance for any guidance.

Best Regards

Richard

Hi,

I'd measure the temps on the ground - that is where the snake will make contact.

But I also like to spot check in various areas for the cool end temps and the ambient temps.

Is there an official or sticky thread on this? I also am finding the information out there confusing on what the appropriate surface for measuring temperatures is.

Any help or a point in the right direction would be much appreciated.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Squirtle44

Is there an official or sticky thread on this? I also am finding the information out there confusing on what the appropriate surface for measuring temperatures is.

Any help or a point in the right direction would be much appreciated.

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i don't think there is a sticked thread that's focused on temps, but let me try and help by going overboard and being overly thorough:

there are three enclosure measurements that you need to know at all times: ambient (air) temperature, surface temperature, and humidity. in addition to this, you should know these three measurements on each side of the enclosure, warm side and cool side.

Ambient temps: these measurements are usually read by a stand-alone thermometer placed inside the enclosure, resting on top of the substrate. it is best to take these temperature readings close to the substrate as that is where the snake spends its time. a lot of people have two thermometers, each one placed on opposite sides of the enclosure. for beeps, the ambient temperature should never fall below 75-77° F, and should not go above ~84° F to maintain optimal temps to keep your noodle comfy.

Surface temps: the focus of surface temperatures is the "hot spot" on the warm side of the enclosure, though knowing the cool side surface temperature is beneficial as well. surface temperatures are taken from the BOTTOM of the enclosure, NOT on top of the substrate. beeps WILL burrow down, so you need to know the temperature of the warmest part of the enclosure, which is the absolute bottom over the UTH. for the warm side: surface temps are read and monitored with a probed thermometer where the probe is placed over the UTH on the bottom of the warm side of the enclosure (this thermometer is NOT a substitute for a thermoSTAT). the warm side surface temperatures should range from 88-91° F, while the cool side surface temps should stay around 80° F. cool side surface temperatures can be read with an infrared temperature gun.

Humidity: humidity is usually read with a stand-alone combination thermometer/hygrometer like the one linked above. the humidity should stay around 57-60% throughout the enclosure, though the focus of your temperature readings should be just above the substrate as, again, this is where the snake spends its time. humidity should be raised to ~70% when the snake is in shed to help the noodle have a perfect shed.


feel free to ask me any other questions you have!