Towel over Tank?

[CliffsMom]

My beardie recently moved into my grandmother's house with me, and she has air conditioning which makes his area cooler than usual. It hits the minimum temperature of 15-25C, but I don't think it's hitting the right basking temperature. I was wondering if it is okay to drape a thin cotton towel over the lights and the top of the tank to help keep the heat in and keep too much cool air from blowing in? Or will it overheat? Maybe cover his basking area, but leave the other half open so his cool area remains cool?
-There is no water in the tank so humidity shouldn't be an issue.
-Maybe just at night when his lights are both off?
-Can low temperature cause lack of appetite and excessive sleeping?
P.S. He is only 8 months old so I don't think he's brumating

 

[Mediabandit]

What are the temps on the basking spot and cool side? What are you using to read them? Dial thermometer, Digital with remote probe or temp gun?

 

[CliffsMom]

In the basking side the temperature is 85-88F. (Sorry I keep switching measurements). I used a crappy fish tank thermometer, my good one is still at the apartment I'm moving out of, but I can tell just by putting my hand underneath it`s not as warm as usual.

 

[Mediabandit]

If you are using an aquarium thermometer then the temp reading you are getting is no where accurate. The basking temp has to be taken directly on the basking spot and left for about 45 mins to be accurate with a digital thermometer with probe or a heat gun. The basking temp should be between 105-110 degrees. If his basking temps are not high enough then he will not be able to digest his food and will refrain from eating because he knows it. The cold will make them lazy and tired as well. You did not say what the temp on the cool side is, but with that useless thermometer there is really no point. I would make it a priority to get the correct thermometer in there and get the temps correct.

 

[Claudiusx]

with that useless thermometer there is really no point. I would make it a priority to get the correct thermometer in there and get the temps correct

Agreed.

-Brandon

 

[CliffsMom]

How about a mercury baby thermometer? As far as I know they are very accurate.

 

[Claudiusx]

Digital thermometers with probe ends are less than 10 dollars at most petstores. Temperature is not something you can just guess at or use less than accurate devices to measure.

Proper temperatures are just as important as remembering to feed your dragon, or making sure you have the proper uvb bulb.

Take the time to go down to the petstore and get an actual thermometer, not one that is supposed to be put under a tongue.

-Brandon