good question. i finally got a temp gun, and i definitely see the difference between it and the probes!! her hot side right now is 90, cool side is 82. her water bowl is the left of the middle of the tank, closer to the hot side of the tank, but not hot, and its 84 degrees in her water. so, judging from the temperature "requirements" no it isn't too hot, but im not sure if its too hot for her.