How to measure temps in rack with a Temp Gun?

[Beardedragon]

I think that I want to buy a temp gun because probes are a pain with the accurite thermometer. But, how would I measure the temps with temp gun? Would I have to crack the tub open or measure the heat tape directly( and if I do that would i have to keep it one or two degrees more than I want to go through the tub and newspaper?)

[mxrider42]

Whenever I open the tubs to check on the snakes I will just shoot the warm and cool side in the tub to check temps.

[ajeff]

I usualy slide the tub out and shoot the snake and see what its temp is, also the front of the tub where its cooler and the flexwatt it self to make sure that its not roasting hot, cause if it is, it will melt the plastic tubs or worse or if its below my expected reading. I notice that flexwatt often has hot spots so I just kind of average it out

[wicked5446]

IRT's are priceless just get it and you'll be glad you did. I got mine from reptile basics and i love it.

[TooManyToys]

The flexwatt in my racks runs up the back of the enclosure. So I check the back, middle and front to get an idea of the gradient. Temp guns are awesome tools and make proper husbandry that much easier.

[Gloryhound]

I gun the snake and I like to put a piece of black electrical tape on the front of the tub. I went through a class for using Infra Red Cameras and learned a lot about Emissivity. I would suggest people who gun clear or highly reflective surfaces to put a piece of black electrical tape on it and let it sit for at least an hour. Then gun the tape for the most accurate reading. As an experiment you could try several surfaces and gun the black electrical tape then gun the surface. You may be surprised by some of the results you get!

Ultimately an IR gun is excellent just make sure you get one with the LED pointer!

[Beardedragon]

Hey, would one of these work?

http://reptilebasics.com/RBI-201-p-16245.html

( The cheaper one)
http://www.beanfarm.com/store/agora....=Non%20Contact

I do not want to spend alot of money on one, and $25 is in my range one things I want but do not necessarily need.

[BMorrison]

I got the PE-2 from Pro Exotics and I love it.
Takes me 4 seconds to take Cool, Mid, Under the tank and the hot spot.
I would highly recommend the PE-2 as I got it and I've never looked back!