Thermometers and Thermostats

[NimbusPrime]

Hey everyone! I'm brand new to this sight and to the world of Ball Pythons, and boy am I excited! I'm going to be getting my first Ball in about a month. I've got everything ready for the little guy, but I just had a question.

I have two probe thermometers and a thermostat with a probe. I've been testing them out, and it seems like they're not getting proper readings (according to my laser thermometer). So what should I do so my probes to get more accurate readings. Should the probes go under the substrate and flush against the bottom of the tank? What are your guys' thoughts on this?

Thanks so much for the help!

--Jessica

[The Serpent Merchant]

Can you give us some more details on your equiptment and set up?

All thermometers have an error. Most are +/- 2 degrees do you might just be seeing this.

[Kaorte]

I like to stick my thermometer probe at the hottest point the snake can reach. For me that is under the substrate right over the heat source. The thermostat probe should be close by, but on the outside of the enclosure so the snake can't mess with it and throw off the thermostat.

There will probably be a few degrees difference between them. As long as your hot side stays around 88-92 you are good.

[NimbusPrime]

@The Serpent Merchant: I have two 8 watt heaters on one side of the tank (they came with the tank) and from what I'm getting on my thermometers they're pumping out about 97 degrees

@Kaorte: Thanks! That really helps with the placement of the probes :3

[kitedemon]

The question is where is your Tstat probe placed? Where are the thermometer probes in relation. What T-stat is it? Some have very good accuracy some very very poor accuracy. IR guns are great tools but as with all tools they have limitations they reflect off of shiny objects like glass plastic and metals. Ideally they should be used with things that are about as shiny as brown paper bags and about that tone. Some paint will also cause false readings. If you are trying to measure glass temps it is not a good tool try placing brown paper down or news paper. Often it will change. The quick test for reflectance is to point the reading spot in the same location but change the gun angle if the reading stays constant it is likely ok but if you get variations it is quite likely suffering some reflectance.