Taking Proper heat readings

[PythonOutlaw]

I use papertowel in the tubs, Im wondering how the proper way to take the heat readings is?

do I lift the paper towel and take reading directly from the tub surface, or do I just take the reading from the top of the papertowel?

Im asking because, if I lift the papertowel and take reading its around something like 99F to 104F. But if I take reading on top of papertowel it around 87F

[Skittles1101]

I always take reading on the bare bottom of the enclosure, simply because if the snake gets under it they can be burned if it's too hot. How are you reading the temps? If you're using a temp gun, they don't read well on shiney or clear surfaces...

[kitedemon]

Assuming your temps you are describing are accurate it sounds like your room temps are quite cool is this correct?

What is the ambient room temp?

[PythonOutlaw]

Im unsure of the ambient room temps, Im using a oil heater in the room, But when taking temp readings using my "pro exotics pe-2 temp gun" http://mrherp.ca/proddetail.php?prod=PE-2 , the cool side surface tempreture in the tubs Is consistenly at 80f to 81f

the walls in the room read around the same temp. I do find it quite warm in the room, I sweat when in there for to long cleaning.

Im using 4inch 8watt flexwatt for belly heat. I have two strips of alluminum tape along the edges of the tape to prevent movement and wear from tubs in and out

[kitedemon]

It is odd you would get that much drop in a 80º room but apparently you are. The walls should be an ok indicator unless it is exterior and poorly insulated.
You might try newspaper, one layer it should not insulate as well. It is also safer if you feed in the tub. Less chance of eating some on a wet rat.

[PythonOutlaw]

It is odd you would get that much drop in a 80º room but apparently you are. The walls should be an ok indicator unless it is exterior and poorly insulated.
You might try newspaper, one layer it should not insulate as well. It is also safer if you feed in the tub. Less chance of eating some on a wet rat.

We just built the room, the outside wall is insulated and flooring also insualted very well, Ill try thenewpaper that sounds like a good idea