viv questions

[tom311]

Im pretty sure i have everything i need but wanted to make sure.
i have an 18 inch reptisun 10.0 uv bulb
a log for hiding
a brick and hammock basking area of 102
reptile carpet
water bowl
crickets and greens
reptocal calcium and herpivite multi

do i need any thing else?

 

[ClydesGirl]

What are you using to measure your temps and humidity? You'll want to keep an eye on humidity if you are going to keep a water dish in there.

 

[tom311]

Im using a thermometer that measures air temp. I think i wont use the water bowl and ill just bathe him. Do i need a thermometer that measures surface temp or is air fine?

 

[scm133]

Jumping in
You definitely need to monitor the basking surface temp. I recommend an infra red temp gun. This is a good one: http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Exotics-Infrared-Thermometer-Temp/dp/B0009OBFW4. Basking temps need to be around 100-105.

 

[tom311]

ill probably buy that one. but whats the reason to have the surface temp if i have the air temp?

 

[scm133]

ill probably buy that one. but whats the reason to have the surface temp if i have the air temp?

The ambient (air) temp will always be different than the actually basking spot. The main concern is to not burn the belly. If air temp is 102, the actual spot where they lay, could be hotter. I monitor the air temp on the cool side. It should be 75-85. I use the infra red gun to spot check the basking spot on the hot side. They need the temperature gradient to thermoregulate. :wink:

 

[tom311]

also, will it be able to record the temp on a mesh hammock?

 

[scm133]

also, will it be able to record the temp on a mesh hammock?

Yes

 

[ClydesGirl]

For $13 you can get this thermometer at Walmart:

It has a probe on one end that you can place directly on the basking spot and displays as the "outdoor" temperature. Then the unit can be placed on the cool side and displays as the "indoor" temperature. It will also give you the humidity reading for the cool side.

 

[tom311]

What is a good range for humidity

 

[ClydesGirl]

What is a good range for humidity

Ideally you want to keep it below 37-ish percent.