Cool side temps--overheating?

[KendraA]

Unusually hot day in Minnesota today--my house doesn't have AC and I'm wondering whether I should be worried about the cool side of Wallace's terrarium hovering around 88 in the afternoon. Usually the cool side stays at 80. He's hanging out in the middle of his cage on a piece of wood where the temperature is 92, and not gaping, so he seems ok, but I want to make sure a cool side of 88 is not dangerous. Wallace is about four months old and only arrived from the breeder a few days ago.

 

[CooperDragon]

I think we're in for a hot week from the looks of it! I wouldn't recommend having the cool side that high long term but 88 for a little while won't cause any harm (75-85 is the recommended range, so it's not far off), especially if he is choosing a spot in the middle. How are the temperatures on the basking site? If those get up over 110 or so I'd try raising the basking light a bit to get the temps back into range.

 

[KendraA]

Thanks Cooperdragon! Readings at the highest basking site range from 103-110 (I have a dimmer so I can adjust periodically). He has a ramp and two lower basking levels as well. He'll spend a while at the hottest level, move down, go back up, and gape occasionally, so it looks like he's regulating himself ok.

 

[Goonie]

[Moved from General to Enclosures]

 

[CooperDragon]

OK great. A dimmer will work really well in this scenario. I wouldn't be to worried about it but keep a close eye on the temps during this heat wave =)