Surface Temperature or Air Temperature?

[GoBigGuy]

Hi All,

So after putting in a new dark, almost black basking spot I'm second guessing my temperatures. If I use my temperature gun I get a reading of 105 but when I use a thermometer to measure the air temperature I'm only reading of 81.

I know the almost black basking platform is holding more heat because of the color but should I be raising the air temperature even though it brings the surface temperature to 115+?

Let me know your thoughts.

 

[ruben0311]

air temperature is not as important as surface temperature. although you do not want the aire to be too cold, as long as it doesnt drop to lower than 60 degrees constantly you are ok. Remember your dragon will be warming up that air within it's body as it breathes so no worry. as long as it has access to heat, from basking, it will do just fine.

 

[GoBigGuy]

What should I have the surface temp be?

air temperature is not as important as surface temperature. although you do not want the aire to be too cold, as long as it doesnt drop to lower than 60 degrees constantly you are ok. Remember your dragon will be warming up that air within it's body as it breathes so no worry. as long as it has access to heat, from basking, it will do just fine.

 

[ruben0311]

you're good with a 105 temperature, assuming the rest of the enclosure has a good gradient to it 105 is spot on. I suppose the bulb you are describing is either a CHE or a dark colored incandescent bulb? if just a CHE you should light up that area with a nice bright CFL (wont change heat too much) or better yet an LED. If your UVB tube is lighting that spot nicely you wont have to add additional lighting though. If the bulb is just a colored bulb you may want to consider using a bright white light in order to wash out the colored hues.

 

[GoBigGuy]

Here is the bulb I am using: http://www.amazon.com/Sylvania-14577-Capsylite-Tungsten-Reflector/dp/B000BQR4K2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Here is a pic of my setup:

you're good with a 105 temperature, assuming the rest of the enclosure has a good gradient to it 105 is spot on. I suppose the bulb you are describing is either a CHE or a dark colored incandescent bulb? if just a CHE you should light up that area with a nice bright CFL (wont change heat too much) or better yet an LED. If your UVB tube is lighting that spot nicely you wont have to add additional lighting though. If the bulb is just a colored bulb you may want to consider using a bright white light in order to wash out the colored hues.

 

[ruben0311]

that bulb is gonna do you nicely, how are your temps doing these days?