Temp guns, folks...why don't YOU have one???

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Butters420

wat i dont understand is why you make it seem everybody needs one of these 40 dollar thermometers that dont show you humidity.maybe if you have several tubs or watever id think about getting one but i would still depend on the accurite for humidity so i see no need for one of these things.overkill if i ever seen it.just cuz you have the money to blow on a temp gun doesnt mean everyone else has to have one.

---

Since we're throwing opinions around right now, here's my own:
Temp guns are not overkill.
This is a tool that is best used with anyone using flex watt and plastic tubs.
This tool will give you an accurate reading of the temps.
An Acurite unit is not overly accurate.
You need an accurate reading so that you do not burn your snake or burn your tub.
A lot of places that sell rack systems state that all warranties, etc., are void unless you measure temps with a temp gun.
Lots of people don't use them. Lots of people do.
The people who do use them will more likely than not never have a burned snake and will never have a snake that is too cold.
The same probability does not exist with keepers who don't use them.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Butters420

wat i dont understand is why you make it seem everybody needs one of these 40 dollar thermometers that dont show you humidity.maybe if you have several tubs or watever id think about getting one but i would still depend on the accurite for humidity so i see no need for one of these things.overkill if i ever seen it.just cuz you have the money to blow on a temp gun doesnt mean everyone else has to have one.

---

:) My primary point was that a temp gun makes a great husbandry tool, and there's a variety of them available in a range of prices. Some folks aren't aware of that, hence this was just a bit of a "take notice." Certainly a discerning individual could do a bit of research & see what's out there in terms of budget-conscious choices...

I would hardly say I have $40 to "blow" on anything, but then again I don't believe in frivolously spending money. Just like most folks, I work hard for what I earn. I do, however, choose my husbandry tools carefully, considering there are 250+ snakes in my direct care at any given time, not to mention the thousands of animals at our facility. For me it is a priority to be able to check any temperature, anywhere at any time, and know precisely what it is, period.

Hygrometers are another story entirely. I've salt-tested several "Accurites" and found them all to be off, anywhere from 5% - 30%. I do not take any of the low-end hygrometers at face value, and for the most part do not trust a hygrometer that isn't NIST certified, but that's just personal preference. Humidity is something I choose to do by feel, just like some folks like to do temperature by feel. If my snakes are thriving & shedding well in their enclosures w/o the cage being bone dry or dripping wet, for me, that's sufficient. If I think a cage needs more moisture, I'll spray that animal down or soak it as necessary.

So, Kara, I can't tell the humidity by feel.
I live in a place that is terminally dry- about 25% humidity all year round. Ugh. Even 40% humidity feels like a sauna to me!!
Do you have a recommendation for a hygrometer for the RBI racks and RBI cages?

I've got three of them and use them all the time. However, a lot of people misuse them. All of the temp guns I have are rated at a 1:1 ratio. That means that I'm measuring the temp of a a surface that is 1 inch in diameter when I'm holding the temp gun 1 inch away from it. I'm measuring the surface of an area 12 inches in diameter when I'm holding the temp gun 12 inches away from it. It doesn't do much good trying to read the temperature of an area from more then a foot to a foot and a half away as you really can't get an accurate temperature reading over a surface area that large. I've also seen people try to measure the temps of their hot spot through the glass of the cage. This won't work as you'll only succeed in measuring the temp of the surface of the glass. Still, if you take these things into consideration, it's still a very useful tool and I wouldn't be without mine.

Mark

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Butters420

wat i dont understand is why you make it seem everybody needs one of these 40 dollar thermometers that dont show you humidity.maybe if you have several tubs or watever id think about getting one but i would still depend on the accurite for humidity so i see no need for one of these things.overkill if i ever seen it.just cuz you have the money to blow on a temp gun doesnt mean everyone else has to have one.

---

You can build a small dog house, but a stake in the ground, put a chain on the stake to the dogs collar and feed/water regularly and a dog will survive. Or you can build a fence around your property for running space, let the dog stay in the house sleep on the bed with you, cuddle up on the couch while watching TV (even though it is wearing out your couch), feed it top of the line dog food with occasional table scraps, and make sure it has a full water dish even though it will insist the toilet water is better.

Which one is costing more?

Which one is the pet and which is the animal? (OK we are leaving the actual human being out of this question!)

I got the PE-2 I think it is and I freakin' love that thing. Instead of it taking me 10 minutes to read my temps. I got it down to about 4 seconds. I stand by it for sure.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Butters420

wat i dont understand is why you make it seem everybody needs one of these 40 dollar thermometers that dont show you humidity.maybe if you have several tubs or watever id think about getting one but i would still depend on the accurite for humidity so i see no need for one of these things.overkill if i ever seen it.just cuz you have the money to blow on a temp gun doesnt mean everyone else has to have one.

---

If you have a Harbor Freight near you, you can buy one for as low as $12.95 when they are on sale. You can always get a PE1 for $25. They are nice to have but you are right, they aren't necessary. Lots of people feel that it is necessary to have a proportional thermostat when you can actually get by with a rheostat if you have to. You just get what you can to get by with and hopefully over time you accumulate better stuff. The nicer stuff is nicer to have but not mandatory by any means. It is nicer to have a brand new car but a 10 year old car will get you around all the same. :D

I have one and use it several times during the week! For my snakes for my rats, and the snake food. Works great!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by starmom

You can't be serious :O

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by starmom

I did notice the little wink. I'm glad to know she can read her snakes- just wondering what she uses to read the temps......

---

Well.... why your comment then? If you saw it, there was no need for your comment. Clearly she is not "serious"....that's why she winked. Although.....I do that a lot.:rofl:


I understand though. Sometimes(always) it's hard for females to admit when they are wrong.;)


ps. Notice the wink.:P:)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by KLG

Nice try Neil. ;) Good to see you around!

---

Who?:)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Chainsaw

Who?:)

---

LOL...what are you, an owl?