A while back I dsicovered my thermometer was 10 degrees too low amd my beardie had been in a tank that was too hot. We switched things out so he is better now, but could prolonged time in the hotter tank have caused cancer? Like sunburn in humans?
These li'l guys live in the deserts of the Central Australian Outback. If things get too hot for them, they get out of the sun and seek the coolness of a hide.
Sunburn is caused by too much UV exposure, which is different than temperature, and no commercially available UV bulb can compare with what the sun puts out. I'd be very surprised if you had anything to worry about.
All that said, you might consider (if you haven't already) switching to digital thermometers with probes, and getting a temp gun, such as this (or another--your choice).
These li'l guys live in the deserts of the Central Australian Outback. If things get too hot for them, they get out of the sun and seek the coolness of a hide.
Sunburn is caused by too much UV exposure, which is different than temperature, and no commercially available UV bulb can compare with what the sun puts out. I'd be very surprised if you had anything to worry about.
All that said, you might consider (if you haven't already) switching to digital thermometers with probes, and getting a temp gun, such as this (or another--your choice).
I have a couple digital thermometers; one controls the exhaust fan if/when the hot side goes above 90°F and the other is integral to a central digital hygrometer, but the temp gun is the workhorse for monitoring basking & other surfaces (like Mr. Lizard himself). I also use it to test water temps when the li'l feller gets a bath. :wink:
Too hot can result a dragon who can't thermoregulate by moving to a cooler area is dangerous as it can result it extreme heat stress and it can loose it's ability to move. Eventually this is lethal.