Air temp vs Surface Temps

[McBeck]

All the literature I've read here and elsewhere, has mentioned 105-110 as a good basking temp for baby/juvenile Beardies. Is this recommendation for air temp or surface temps? My probe, next to the basking spot is about an inch away from the surface. It reads roughly 103-108 degrees,I assume air temps, depending how I move the basking bulb around. Mr. Spectrum, asked in one of my posts what I had for surface temps. I admit it never crossed my mind. I have picked up an infrared thermometer now, and at 103 degrees air temp, in the basking spot, shows 117-118 :shock: degrees surface temp.
Now there are numerous elevations she can lay, and she moves around. She does however, seem to avoid the cooler side. I have yet to see her spend anytime there. Are the rest of you measuring surface temps?

 

[Claudiusx]

For the basking surface, you want to use the surface temp. For hot side and cool side, ambient air temp is fine.

You can get surface temps by placing the probe on the surface too. Sometimes IR thermometers read inaccurately depending on the surface they are trying to read.

-Brandon

 

[DragonPete]

Agree with Brandon. I have the probe laying directly on my boys hammock, with it touching the spot where he always basks. Meaning, he lays right on it! Lol! ?
-Dee

 

[McBeck]

So the goal for my surface temps should be still in the 105ish degree range?

 

[Claudiusx]

Yup

-Brandon

 

[JumpinJellyfish]

Agree with Brandon. I have the probe laying directly on my boys hammock, with it touching the spot where he always basks. Meaning, he lays right on it! Lol! ?
-Dee

Same! :0)

 

[McBeck]

Ok thanks everyone. I have obviously, been doing it wrong. That will be corrected today. This actually makes things much easier for me.

 

[MrSpectrum]

McBeck, Are you familiar with temp guns? They're fairly inexpensive, and many of us use them to measure basking temps, bath water temps, and other surface temps quickly and easily. This is a good one (features, range, price, reviews). It's not mandatory or anything; just one of those little conveniences that make dragon keeping a little easier. Up to you. :wink:

 

[McBeck]

Picked one up! I believe I am sorting this out, thanks!

 

[MrSpectrum]

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