Temp Question

So I have a thermometer/hygrometer combo that is on her hot side about 2 inches above the substrate. I have a UTH and a heat lamp. Would the temp shown be her hot side temp or the ambient air temp?

Hi,

Depends - where is the heat lamp in relation to it?


dr del

If it wasn't for the heat lamp it would be ambient temp. The UTH is probably several degrees warmer than the temp showing. If the heat lamp is directly on the thermometer then this will obviously give skewed temps.

The heat lamp is above it over top of the tank. I have a 40 gallon tank and its pretty tall. The UTH is right under the substrate where the therm. is. I was wondering because my gal has been staying in her cool hide. If I remove the lamp, which I can, then the temp on the therm drops but she goes between hides and whatnot, but I wasnt sure if I should do that because if this is the warm side temp than the temperature is correct.

Just get an acurite digital thermometer from walmart for $12. Far more accurate and it does everything. Put the probe from that on the hot side on top of the glass over the UTH. Put the thermometer unit on the other side of the tank at the substrate level. You will have the hot side temp and the ambient temp will be the cold side temp as well as the humidity.

Its not really a question if being accurate as far as not being sure if this is considered an ambient temp or the hot side temp itself. I have more than just this therm, but I'm not sure if the number being displayed would be considered the hot side temp or the ambient air them. This therm is digital and the humidity and temp are 100% accurate.

You generally measure the ambient temperature on the cool side, then use a temp probe on the surface on the warm side. You could possibly call it the warm side ambient temperature, but if the light is shining on the unit it may be giving false readings by heating the shell depending on how close.

Also watch having the lamp over the hide on the hot side, I've noticed the hide getting hotter than it should be when I was using a lamp.

I have one on the cool side too, I just wasnt sure if maybe she was getting hot flashes :) Ive been planning on getting a probe anyhow this coming Friday when I do my shopping thing, so the Wal-Mart one will be fine? And its still accurate? Thats the only thing im worried about, accuracy, I dont want her flesh burnin off cause of a stupid therm if its lying to me.

Anyway, essentially the lights not shining directly on the therm or the hide, so thats good then. I'll take the hide's temp to make sure though, as I never thought about that. I thought at first she was too big but when I removed her cool side hide to feed her (Didnt want her striking an eye out) while I was out of them room so she could eat in peace she crawled in the hot one so I know she fits now.

Thanks a bunch, rest assured I'll get the acurite this weekend :)

Do you think this would work:

http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...Price#prodTab1

I can't find the accurite one on Wal-Marts site and I was just checking what stuff the petsmart people had :)

The thermometer you linked will work well.

What kind of thermometer are you using currently? If it is a gauge thermometer then it is useless and you are getting incorrect readings. Anything digital will be 100% more reliable than any gauge. Your hot side (with the probe) should be between 92-94*F and your ambient, or cool side, should be in the low 80's.